Universal Technical Institute has expanded its successful Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training program by adding Tesla’s START Collision Repair program. UTI is the transportation, skilled trades and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Tesla’s START program is an intensive training program that prepares workers for successful careers at Tesla. Graduates of UTI’s Collision Repair and Refinish Technology program who meet Tesla’s program criteria and are hired by Tesla as interns will be eligible for the 4-month program. The Tesla-specific courses build on the traditional body and paint repair training of UTI’s collision program, including electrical work, panel removal and replacement, and recalibration.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have the opportunity to transition to full-time employment at one of Tesla’s Internal Collision Repair Centers.

UTI is currently the only education institution offering the Tesla program, which will be available at the Long Beach campus beginning in Spring 2025.

“Our collaboration with Tesla is a significant milestone for UTI and underscores our technological capabilities and advancements,” said Tracy Lorenz, president of the UTI Division. “This partnership also serves as a testament to our commitment to innovation and ensuring that our programs remain relevant and impactful in today’s evolving landscape, as we prepare a workforce to safely and effectively repair the vehicles driving our future.”

UTI’s Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs train graduates to service and repair vehicles from leading global manufacturers using technology and systems unique to these brands. The specialized training prepares students for career opportunities with these manufacturers, potentially setting them apart from other entry-level technicians who do not have this level of training. With the addition of Tesla, UTI now offers 27 MSAT programs.