Program Aims to Reduce the Supply and Demand Imbalance for Auto Technicians in Southern California

Program Aims to Reduce Imbalance for Auto Technicians

Students receive hands-on technical training, explore high-demand career opportunities and achieve Certified Technician status.

With U.S. businesses accelerating their hiring and Southern California’s economy rebounding from COVID-19 labor disruption, regional leaders welcomed the new Toyota-Lexus automotive technician training program to the Inland Empire. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) announced the first local cohort of students have begun their accelerated 12-week training to complete eight Toyota and five Lexus class credentials preparing them to join one of the largest dealer networks in California. The Toyota Professional Automotive Technician (TPAT) program delivers specialized training on both Toyota equipment and vehicles, and helps students prepare to complete certification testing by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Students receive hands-on technical training, explore high-demand career opportunities and achieve Certified Technician status for a vast Southern California Toyota and Lexus dealer network.

“Trained auto technicians are in great demand and are the key to any successful dealership,” said Joseph Myers, technician development manager for the TPAT program at Toyota Motor North America. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with UTI to fulfill the pipeline of new talent while providing stable jobs and career security that aims to give vehicle owners the most satisfying service experience possible.” 

“These students are receiving training in automotive technology that takes dealership technicians years to finish and the job market is eager to welcome new talent,” said Migdalia “Mig” Vazquez, Campus President. “This is especially true in Southern California where we have one of the most active transportation and logistics corridors in the United States.”

Employers continue to express a need for hiring as the U.S. Labor Department describes a mismatch between what employers need and what trained job seekers are prepared to perform upon entering the market.

“We are thrilled to have the Toyota Professional Automotive Technician program at UTI in the Inland Empire,” said Dan Johnson, Senior Vice President of Fixed Operations for Larry H. Miller Dealerships, owner of Toyota of Corona. “We have our dealership 30 minutes away from the campus and another in the San Diego area. Business is booming and we need more technicians to take care of our customers. We look forward to hiring UTI graduates and the career opportunity we offer to those joining our team.'”

The Grand Opening of the TPAT program Friday in the Inland Empire was attended by local elected officials from the City of Rancho Cucamongaand former Congresswoman Loretta L. Sanchez, now serving as an independent Director of the Board at UTI.

“For those of us who call Southern California home, it’s no surprise that skilled automotive technicians are valued and in high demand,” said Sanchez. “It’s inspiring to see students so focused on their trade and learning from the best instructors — all at a campus with advanced technology, resources and equipment to create a real-life learning environment. These students will serve as an inspiration to many Californians seeking this type of education.”

Today’s rapidly changing workforce offers opportunity for skilled transportation technicians. UTI partners with students to help them navigate the competitive job market. Students who complete the TPAT program explore career opportunities, receive hands-on training on the latest technologies from Toyota and Lexus and learn from other UTI graduates and local employers about the high need and earning potential for trained technicians.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast that by 2029, total employment for automotive, diesel and collision repair technicians will exceed 1 million. To help reach that total, the transportation industry needs to fill nearly 100,000 technician job openings on average annually during this period. 

The Toyota TPAT program will accept applications at the Rancho Cucamonga campus throughout the year. For more information, visit uti.edu/toyota.

You May Also Like

Collision Careers Launches Digital Campaign to Attract Technicians

Aimed at attracting technicians to the field, the videos highlight various professional roles in collision repair including structural technicians, estimators and electric diagnostics technicians.

collision careers tech shortage

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced its Collision Careers platform launched its first digital advertising campaign aimed at attracting high potential talent to the industry and showcasing the benefits of a career in collision repair to solve a talent crisis that is estimated to be 100,000 skilled technicians short.

ASE, Dealer Associations Partner to Increase Awareness of Automotive Careers

ASE is partnering with dealer associations to conduct student competitions designed to increase awareness of automotive career opportunities.

young automotive technicians and mechanics
Access Tight Spaces with Mini Angle Die Grinder

The low-weight, ultra-compact design provides added control and maneuverability.

Florida Pneumatic Manufacturing Corporation recently released the AIRCAT 6250 1⁄4” Mini Angle Die Grinder.
Used Car Sourcing and Predictable Appraisal Accuracy

Trade-ins remain essential, so when their owners walk through the door, give them the fairest offer you can — and be sure the spread you need isn’t diluted by appraisal oversights.

Used Car Sourcing and Predictable Appraisal Accuracy
Unlocking Your Dealership’s Hidden Revenue: The Power of Warranty Reimbursements

Partnering with a qualified vendor to ensure you receive what you’re legally owed is more than just advantageous — it’s a necessity.

Unlocking Your Dealership's Hidden Revenue: The Power of Warranty Reimbursements

Other Posts

PRT Launches 22 Complete Strut Assemblies

The release represents more than 12 million vehicles in new coverage.

PRT Launches 22 Complete Strut Assembly New Products
Autel, MOTOR Partner to Bring OEM Data to Ultra Series Tablets

Autel Ultra series tablet users can access automotive service and repair content within days of it being published by the OEM.

Autel scan tools, diagnostic tools
Top 3 Ways to Avoid Warranty Audit Headaches in 2024

Avoiding warranty claim debits can be a daunting task, fraught with complicated processes and procedures.

warranty audit headaches
ASE Workshops at NADA to Focus on EV Safety, Technician Recruitment and Retention

Learn strategies to better attract and retain entry-level technicians as well as how to develop and maintain a safe work environment and skill set for your extended EV team members.

Automotive Service Excellence logo - ASE logo