Universal Technical Institute expanded its HVACR program to its Lisle campus on June 24, 2026, addressing growing workforce demand for skilled technicians. The nine-month diploma program provides hands-on training for entry-level roles in residential and commercial environments. This expansion is part of the company's North Star Strategy, a multi-year initiative to tackle labor shortages across America.

The HVACR program is now available at UTI campuses in California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Florida. A new campus in Atlanta, scheduled to open in Summer 2026, will also offer the program. Coursework covers troubleshooting, service, and installation of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems for light commercial applications.

UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz emphasized the strategic importance of the expansion. "Expanding our HVACR programs is a strategic priority as employers across the country face ongoing technician needs," Lorenz said. "By increasing access to hands-on HVACR training—including at our Lisle campus—we're helping students prepare for essential careers while supporting industries that rely on skilled professionals every day."

Roger Gomez, campus president of UTI Lisle, highlighted the local impact. "We're excited to bring HVACR training to Lisle and offer students another pathway into an in-demand career," Gomez said. "This program reflects our commitment to helping prepare students to enter the workforce through hands-on, industry-aligned education."

Program Availability

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. operates 16 campuses across nine states through its UTI division, offering transportation, skilled trades, electrical, and energy training programs. Its Concorde Career Colleges division operates 18 campuses in eight states and online, focusing on allied health, dental, nursing, and patient care fields.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has named John Balderree as the Campus President of its new Salt Lake City campus, which is scheduled to open in 2027. The appointment is part of the company's broader expansion strategy to increase access to career-focused education and address the shortage of skilled workers in the United States. The new campus will be located at River Point Plaza in West Jordan and will have the capacity to serve more than 3,000 students.

Balderree brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, most recently serving in senior roles at BYU Pathway Worldwide. In that position, he led student services and experience initiatives aimed at expanding access and improving educational outcomes. His previous leadership roles include positions at Western Governors University, as well as earlier tenures at UTI and DeVry Education Group, where he focused on admissions, operations, and student retention.

Campus Details and Strategic Expansion

The UTI-Salt Lake City campus will occupy nearly 113,000 square feet at 1553 W 9000 S. in West Jordan. The facility is designed to support a wide range of technical training programs. The campus will offer courses in Aviation Maintenance Technology; Automotive and Diesel; Electrical & Industrial Maintenance Technology; Electrical, Electronics & Industrial Technology; Electrical, Robotics & Automation; HVACR; and Welding. The availability of these programs is pending all necessary regulatory approvals.

This new location is a component of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.'s multi-year North Star strategy. Currently in Phase II, the strategy focuses on growth, diversification, and optimization. Key tenets include opening multiple campuses annually between 2026 and 2029, launching new programs at existing locations, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Leadership Perspective

UTI Division President Tracy Lorenz highlighted the strategic value of the new appointment. "John brings a strong track record of driving student success and leading high-performing teams," Lorenz said. He noted that Balderree's experience will be instrumental as the company launches the Salt Lake City campus and expands educational access in the region.

Company Overview

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) was founded in 1965 and operates as a workforce solutions provider. The company offers education and support services for in-demand careers through two primary divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 16 campuses across nine states, offering transportation and skilled trades training. Concorde operates 18 campuses in eight states and online, providing programs in allied health, dental, nursing, and patient care fields.