Why Technician Training Is Changing
This week, Ratchet+Wrench will be on site at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Mooresville, North Carolina, for an inside look at how future automotive technicians are being trained through hands-on learning, industry-aligned coursework, and direct employer engagement.
Hosted in partnership with Pennzoil, the visit will highlight how technical education is evolving to meet the needs of today’s service bays and shop owners. The morning includes time in multiple classrooms covering engines, steering and suspension systems, engine dyno instruction, and live lab work, along with a look at UTI’s on-site career fair connecting students with potential employers.
Ahead of the event, Pennzoil's Motor Oil Specialist, Sean Nguyen, said many of the services shops consider routine are becoming far more complex. “All oil is oil … it’s just that brown stuff on the shelf,” Nguyen said, describing one of the biggest misconceptions technicians still encounter. In reality, modern vehicles require a deeper understanding of changing OEM specifications, lower-viscosity lubricants, hybrids, and evolving engine technology.
For shop owners, that means entry-level hires need more than mechanical ability. They need the ability to educate customers and build trust. “They look for somebody that they can trust,” Nguyen said. “That’s hard to earn and easy to lose.”
As the official motor oil supplier for UTI, Pennzoil works closely with the school to help keep curriculum current with evolving engine and vehicle technology while supporting the technician pipeline for dealerships, independent shops, and the broader aftermarket.
That’s exactly what Ratchet+Wrench will be exploring in Mooresville: how students are being trained, what employers are looking for, and what independent shop owners should know about hiring and developing tomorrow’s workforce.
Stay tuned for full coverage.