Universal Technical Institute Celebrates First Graduating Classes from Aviation Program at Avondale and Long Beach Campuses
Graduations mark a significant milestone in program expansions.
PHOENIX, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the transportation, skilled trades, and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., today announced the first graduating classes from the Aviation program at its Avondale and Long Beach campuses.
The Airframe and Powerplant Technician program was launched at the Avondale and Long Beach campuses in 2023 and is designed to be completed in 18 months. The program provides students with the skills to diagnose, repair, and maintain aircraft and powerplant components. Students are prepared to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification upon graduation.
Densen Pantal was among the first graduates from UTI-Long Beach. He shared how his childhood experience sparked his passion for aviation.
"The first time I saw a plane was when I flew from the Philippines to the U.S. as a child," said Pantal. "It was amazing. I didn't know what I wanted to do back then, but from that flight on, I knew I wanted to be around planes. Being in this program, with instructors who care and push you to succeed, showed me exactly how to turn that dream into a career."
Another UTI-Long Beach graduate, Jimmy Gutierrez, found his inspiration in a historic event.
"Watching the space shuttle Endeavor being moved through the streets of LA inspired my passion for aviation. I originally studied engineering after high school, but realized I wanted a hands-on aviation career," said Gutierrez. "The UTI-Long Beach program let me combine my love of aviation and my desire to work on aircraft."
Both Pantal and Gutierrez are studying for their FAA exams and plan to pursue careers in civilian aviation.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural class, UTI-Long Beach Campus President Anthony Pham stated, "We're proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our first graduating class. These students' hard work has prepared them for the first step in their aviation careers. It's a significant achievement for our graduates."
Tracy Lorenz, President of the UTI division, highlighted the division's continued expansion, saying, "The graduation of our first aviation classes from UTI-Avondale and UTI-Long Beach represents an exciting new chapter in our growth. As part of our ongoing expansion, we're meeting the need for skilled workers in the aviation maintenance industry by offering FAA-certified programs at new campuses."
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson stated, "We are proud to recognize the inaugural graduating class of UTI's Airframe and Powerplant programs—students who have gained the technical skills needed to inspect, maintain, and repair complex aviation components. Their achievements highlight the critical role of career training in building a strong workforce pipeline and supporting the economic growth of our community."
In addition to UTI-Long Beach and UTI-Avondale, UTI-Miramar (Fla.), UTI-Canton (Mich.), and UTI-Houston offer aviation programs.
About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE:UTI) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners and communities nationwide. The company offers high-quality education and support services for in-demand careers via its two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 15 campuses located in nine states and offers a wide range of transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy training programs. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in eight states and online, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu; LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges; or X at @news_UTI and @ConcordeCareer.
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SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.