Rush Enterprises joined the early employment program in the skilled trades and energy education division at Universal Technical Institute.
The company announced Tuesday it will join the program on the campuses of UTI-Austin, Dallas and Houston in Texas; UTI-Avondale in Arizona; UTI-Lisle in Illinois; UTI-Long Beach and Rancho Cucamonga in California; UTI-Miramar and UTI-Orlando in Florida; and the NASCAR Technical Institute in North Carolina.
Employers participating in the program may offer 20-30 hours of paid work experience, consideration for full-time employment and reimbursement for education-related expenses after graduation. Eligibility requirements and conditions are established by participating employers and are between the employer and the student. More than 125 employers participate in the program.
Rush Enterprises has more than 200 locations in 22 states and Ontario, Canada.
Under the agreement, diesel students in six states are selected by Rush Enterprises and enrolled in UTI's 48-week diesel technician training program to work 20-30 paid hours weekly. Students who join Rush full-time after graduation can participate in their tuition reimbursement program, which offers assistance with educational loans up to $30,000.
"We continue to expand this program because it is a win-win for both our students and the employers who participate," says UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz. "Opportunities like these help companies like Rush Enterprises build a talent pipeline while the students they select benefit from valuable industry work experience in their chosen career fields."
Rush also provides original equipment manufacturer training and wage increases for Automotive Service Excellence-certified technicians, tool assistance loans, referral bonsues and other benefits.
"We are proud to partner with Universal Technical Institute on their employment program and welcome those graduates who join Rush Enterprises after graduation," says W.M. "Rusty" Rush, chairman, CEO and president of Rush Enterprises. "We are focused on hiring, developing and retaining the very best service technicians in our industry and this program gives technicians valuable on-the-job experience to complement their education."
