Katy ISD’s Miller Career Center students get steeped in STEM and how to pursue their automotive dreams at Mercedes-Benz of West Houston
ABOUT: More than 55 students from Katy ISD’s Miller Career Center received a hands-on tour and real-life career advice at Mercedes-Benz of West Houston (Sewell), in partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI)’s Houston campus on April 5.
Students toured Sewell’s state-of-the-art, industry-leading facility, which is the largest Mercedes-Benz dealership in the U.S. They also saw how Mercedes-Benz technicians use sophisticated digital diagnostics – a live lesson in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) demonstrations.
Sewell technicians, who are also UTI-Houston graduates, spoke with students about career opportunities for future auto and collision repair technicians. Nearly 90% of Sewell’s auto technicians are graduates from UTI’s Houston campus.
Industry demand for trained automotive and diesel technicians continues to accelerate. Most recently, the federal government tripled its estimate for the number of transportation technicians needed nationwide between now and 2026. According to new projections, the transportation sector will require more than 1.2 million new technicians over the next decade – enough for 120,000 new techs each year.
For high school students interested in transportation technician careers, UTI Houston is offering Ignite, a free summer program to train high school juniors in fundamental auto and collision repair technician skills. Participating students receive intensive, hands-on training and can receive UTI course credit. Ignite will be offered at UTI Houston and each of UTI’s 12 campuses nationwide this summer. The Houston campus was part of the successful pilot program hosted in 2017 where over 20 students received course credit. For more information or to enroll, visit https://www.uti.edu/programs/ignite.
55 students from Katy ISD’s Miller Career Center toured Mercedes-Benz of West Houston, the largest Mercedes-Benz dealership in the U.S.
Students tour the indoor shopping area at Mercedes-Benz of West Houston, the largest Mercedes-Benz dealership in the country, including the $1.4 million parts department.
Miller Career Center students receive STEM Demonstrations utilizing Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment.