UTI Aviation Program Graduates First Classes at Avondale and Long Beach

Graduations signal a key expansion phase for the program.

PHOENIX, June 18, 2025 – Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the division focused on transportation, skilled trades, and energy education under Universal Technical Institute, Inc., today announced a significant milestone: the first graduating classes from its Aviation program, hailing from the Avondale and Long Beach campuses. This marks a strategic move into a sector experiencing substantial growth and a skills gap.

The comprehensive program equips students with the expertise to diagnose, repair, and maintain the complex machinery of aircraft and powerplant components, critical skills in a constantly evolving industry.

Launched in 2023 at the Avondale and Long Beach campuses, the 18-month Airframe and Powerplant Technician program is designed to be a fast track into the world of aviation maintenance. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic certification exams upon completion.

The first graduating class includes students like Densen Pantal, a UTI-Long Beach graduate, who shared how a childhood experience fueled his passion.

“The first time I saw a plane… 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,” said Pantal.

Fellow graduate Jimmy Gutierrez, also from UTI-Long Beach, found inspiration in a landmark event.

“Watching the space shuttle Endeavor being moved through the streets of LA inspired my passion for aviation. The UTI-Long Beach program let me combine my love of aviation and my desire to work on aircraft,” said Gutierrez.

Both Pantal and Gutierrez are now preparing to take their FAA exams, with their sights set on careers in civilian aviation.

Anthony Pham, President of the UTI-Long Beach Campus, celebrated the success, stating, “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, underscored the broader strategic implications, “The graduation of our first aviation classes from UTI-Avondale and UTI-Long Beach represents an exciting new chapter in our growth. Addressing the need for skilled workers in the aviation maintenance industry is essential. We are doing this by offering FAA-certified programs at new campuses.”

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson added, “Their achievements highlight the critical role of career training in building a strong workforce pipeline and supporting the economic growth of our community.”

Besides UTI-Long Beach and UTI-Avondale, aviation programs are available at UTI-Miramar (Fla.), UTI-Canton (Mich.), and UTI-Houston.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Founded in 1965, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is a leading workforce solutions provider, serving students, partners, and communities nationwide. The company offers education and support services for in-demand careers through its UTI and Concorde Career Colleges divisions. UTI operates 15 campuses 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 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.

Media Contact
Alanna Vitucci