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GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

From UTI Grad to Welding Pro: Dagan Carpenter’s Journey

"My education, I’m very grateful for it because without it, I wouldn’t have been here."

Dagan Carpenter is a UTI grad who’s now making waves at Epic Piping in San Marcos, Texas.1

What interested Dagan in welding?

“I like hands-on work. This is great for it,” he shares.

Dagan’s journey started at UTI, where he found a supportive and engaging learning environment that fueled his passion for welding. With his Welding Technology teachers to guide him, Dagan quickly found his groove:

“My UTI experience was good. I had great teachers,” he recalls. ”If I was struggling with something, they would come and help me.”

A Day in the Life for Dagan

For Dagan, his day at Epic Piping is all about getting hands-on and diving into the work he loves. From meetings to continuous practice, Dagan is living his welding dream:

“My life? I get up, get here, have our morning meeting and then I get to my station, prep everything, and then start tackling them,” he explains. “My favorite thing is just being able to weld, honestly. During lunch and on my free time, they’ll let me weld just to practice and get better.”

Why Choose UTI for Welding Training?

Dagan’s recommendation for UTI comes from the heart. He started with no prior knowledge and left with a wealth of skills and confidence, as he tells us.

“Would I recommend UTI? Absolutely,” he emphasizes. “Because I knew nothing. And they teach you pretty much everything.”

Dagan’s journey into welding began back in high school, where a spark of interest turned into a  career for him. His advice to high school students? Give welding training a shot.

“If you’re in high school, try welding. You just have to keep practicing,” he explains. “My education, I’m very grateful for it because without it, I wouldn’t have been here.” 

Ready to Ignite Your Welding Career Training?

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A NEW CAREER PATH STARTS HERE

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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.20) VA benefits may not be available at all campus locations.21) GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

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