Freightliner Northwest (FNW) recently held two Future Tech Nights in partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI). The events focused on UTI’s Diesel program as well as Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) Finish First elective course offered at the Avondale, AZ campus.

UTI Admissions Advisors invited local high school automotive students in to the FNW facilities for an informational evening.   During the events held in Mt Vernon and Pacific, WA, students along with their parents and high school instructors were further educated about the programs at UTI and the career opportunities beyond graduation including those offered within the Gordon Truck Centers Dealer Family (GTC) which includes Freightliner Northwest, Western Star Northwest, and Freightliner of Hawaii. Employees who are recent alumni of the Finish First program were also on hand to answer questions and to offer a tour of the shop facilities.

Freightliner Northwest has been formally recruiting UTI students at their Avondale, AZ campus since 2013 and continuously develops the partnership with the school. In addition to hosting Future Tech Nights at the facilities, FNW employees visit Avondale twice annual for career fairs and onsite interviews, give classroom presentations and sit on UTI’s Advisory Council.

“We go to the Avondale campus specifically for the students in the Finish First program,” said Jonathan Callis, Mt. Vernon Service Manager. “The training they receive in the 12 week program can take a working technician up to two years to complete.”

In the past 18 months, thirteen graduates of the Finish First program have been hired at locations across the Gordon Truck Centers, Inc. 12 location Dealership Family. The entry level diesel technicians are paired with a journey level technician to smooth the transition from student to employee.

The 12 week Finish First program provides students with Expert Level certification in DTNA products, giving them a step ahead of other entry level technicians. Finish First graduates who meet certain qualifications are also eligible for a $2000 signing bonus upon hire with the GTC Dealership Family.

For more information on Finish First visit: http://trucktechs.com/finishfirst

To apply for diesel technician opportunities at any GTC location visit the careers page by clicking HERE.