Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced the expansion of its Finish First technician training program delivering advanced training for Freightliner and Western Star commercial vehicles in partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), a recognized national leader in automotive and diesel technical training. The expansion comes in response to growing demand from DTNA dealerships across the country for more qualified truck technicians. DTNA will launch the expansion of the Finish First program at UTI’s new facility in Lisle, Ill., near Chicago on July 28, with the same curriculum available at the current Finish First program site in Avondale, Ariz.
“We are excited to offer this acclaimed program in UTI’s new flagship Lisle, Illinois location. Our service network is in need of capable technicians and this partnership enables us to provide hands-on education using Freightliner and Western Star vehicles and training aids,” says Dragan Brocilo, manager of training programs and marketing at DTNA.
“The current program owes its success to the engagement of the entire DTNA dealer network, and we want to invite all of them to get involved with the expansion of this training opportunity as the start date nears.”
The Finish First program utilizes DTNA certified instructors to teach students about vehicle components such as suspension, brakes, steering, electrical and HVAC systems, as well as advanced multiplexed architectures featured in today’s DTNA trucks. The technicians graduate from the 12-week program with full Freightliner and Western Star certifications, providing an important advantage to hiring dealerships as they can immediately begin working and providing customer value in the shop. The critical technical skills acquired through the program enable the graduates to succeed in the field of medium and heavy-duty truck service, and make them top choice candidates for new hires within the DTNA dealership network.
“Daimler, through its Finish First program, will ensure that its dealers have a continuous flow of both new and well-trained technicians to support its customers’ vehicles both today and well into the future. It’s just another way that DTNA keeps its dealers and its customers ‘Running Smart’,” explains James W. Balkonis, vice president of operations for TransChicago Truck Group.
For more information on the program expansion, contact DTNA Finish First Program Manager Dragan Brocilo at [email protected] or visit www.uti.edu/partners/daimler-trucks.
