Robert Bosch LLC, a global supplier of automotive parts to vehicle manufacturers and the independent aftermarket, has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to provide automotive parts, equipment and training support at all UTI campuses nationwide. In addition, Bosch has extended its commitment to provide tuition assistance and a part-time employment program to students at the Lisle, Illinois, campus through the UTI Foundation.

“We’re excited to expand our continuing relationship with Bosch Automotive Aftermarket North America to integrate their high-quality products and advanced training aids into our labs across the country,” said Dennis Hendrix, vice president of industry alliances at Universal Technical Institute. “This partnership will enhance our efforts to train students using the latest products, materials, tools and technologies and equip them with the skills employers are looking for. Our partnership with Bosch will assist our graduates in building successful careers in the growing transportation industry.”

Parts Program  

The agreement includes a special program that provides discounts and rebates, making it easier for instructors at UTI campus locations to obtain quality Bosch products for instruction and demonstration purposes. In addition, each campus will have the opportunity to qualify for an annual credit of $1,000 based on total amount of product shipped.

Training Support

To help ensure an ample field of qualified technicians for the decades ahead, Bosch actively supports technical training and the institutions and programs that are equipping the next generation of automotive and diesel technicians. Through its new agreement with UTI, the company will offer periodic “Lunch and Learn” sessions at UTI campuses. Bosch associates will present sessions to educate UTI students and faculty on the latest industry technology innovations and products.

Bosch also will host single-day Bosch Xperience mobile training stops at UTI campuses. The Bosch Xperience puts a group of six participants in a virtual workshop where they work through a series of real-world vehicle problem scenarios. Competing against each other, the group will go through the entire repair process – identifying faults, selecting parts and completing the repair – gaining new knowledge all along the way.

“The whole aftermarket community has a responsibility to assist in training and equipping the next generation of automotive and diesel technicians,” said Odd Joergenrud, regional president North America, Robert Bosch LLC, Automotive Aftermarket. “Bosch is aligned with the mission of the UTI organization and is very pleased to have this opportunity to show our support to both UTI and the automotive aftermarket.”

Bosch also will work with UTI corporate to provide training materials, posters, educational graphics and other items to be displayed at each facility.

Tuition Assistance Through UTI Foundation

Working through the UTI Foundation, Bosch continues to provide tuition scholarships through the Bosch Automotive Student Technician Assistance Fund to current, active UTI-Lisle campus students who demonstrate great financial hardship. A total of 25 “Accelerate!” tuition awards for $1,000 each will be made over the term of the agreement.

“Pedal to the Metal” Program Through UTI Foundation

Besides providing tuition assistance, Bosch funding also is supporting the UTI Foundation’s “Pedal to the Metal” program for students at the UTI-Lisle campus. Through this program, qualifying students may apply for a $500 tuition scholarship and the opportunity to participate in a three-month paid internship-type assignment at a local Bosch Car Service center, with the opportunity to earn an additional $2,000 upon successful completion of the assignment. In addition to the tuition support, students gain valuable experience in the day-to-day workings of a well-established, successful repair center.

“As automotive manufacturers are continually challenged to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, new and more sophisticated vehicle systems will be developed at a much faster rate,” said Bobby Bloom, vice president, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket NA. “This means that training of future generations of technicians is a critical factor for efficient, effective vehicle service. As the developer of many of these new systems, Bosch can be a valuable resource to young technicians as they’re preparing to enter the marketplace, arming them with the parts and equipment knowledge – as well as the diagnostic and service training – to make them a highly sought-after asset in for any repair shop.”