Orlando’s UTI Celebrates 100th BMW STEP Class – A Milestone in Advanced Automotive Training

At Universal Technical Institute, our industry partnerships give students hands‑on access to cutting‑edge tools and a direct pipeline to employers in the transportation sector. Students can also apply for Manufacturer‑Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs, including the BMW FastTrack program – formerly known as BMW STEP.

Since its launch, the BMW program at UTI has delivered outstanding results. The Orlando campus recently celebrated a landmark milestone: the graduation of its 100th class. Read on to discover the program’s history, recent achievement, and how it equips students for a thriving career.

UTI & BMW: A 26‑Year Partnership

The collaboration began in 1995 and has since seen UTI graduate certified technicians ready for BMW dealerships.¹

Over the years, UTI and BMW have offered multiple pathways, such as the MSTEP program for transitioning military members and the BMW STEP program. The relationship is mutually beneficial: BMW supplies vehicles, tools, and training support, while UTI delivers a steady stream of qualified technicians.

The program is now reintroduced across UTI campuses as the BMW FastTrack program, starting in early 2022.

About the BMW Program

The 12‑week BMW MSAT program immerses students in Workshop, Electrical, Chassis, and Drivetrain technologies specific to BMW vehicles.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Active UTI or NASCAR Technical Institute student or graduate.
• Full completion of core automotive courses, except Power & Performance and Professional Service Writing.
• Meeting all program admission requirements.

FastTrack instructors are trained by BMW and many come from dealership experience, bringing real‑world insights into the classroom. BMW’s investment is substantial: vehicles, ongoing education on new models, and continuous technological updates ensure students receive industry‑standard training.

Students gain access to BMW’s workshop service management systems, enabling them to explore detailed diagrams and deepen their knowledge. The program is student‑driven – research, responsibility, and hands‑on work mirror dealership expectations, including complete engine disassembly and reassembly.

“We prepare graduates to be ready for dealership roles immediately after graduation,” says Lutz Laukamp, CTG advisor for BMW at UTI. “They leave with the skills to succeed on the shop floor.”

Celebrating 100 Classes in Orlando

UTI Orlando’s 100th class underscores the program’s success. Gary Uyematsu, BMW North America’s national technical training manager, credits the close partnership between UTI and BMW as the key to this achievement. “UTI is a fantastic partner because we both strive for excellence,” he says.

Program design closely mirrors dealership experience. From orientation, students are treated as technicians in training. “They are held to the same standards as a BMW technician,” notes Lutz. “Punctuality, accountability, and zero sleeping in class are non‑negotiable.”

Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

The automotive landscape is shifting fast, and BMW is at the forefront. As BMW updates its lineup almost annually, UTI’s curriculum remains current, exposing students to the latest technologies and software.

In 2014, UTI streamlined the program by reducing classroom time, shifting the focus to experiential learning. The upcoming FastTrack iteration continues this trend. Students receive an empty binder and, by the end of the program, fill it with their own detailed training notes.

Time‑management skills are also emphasized. Students use dealership‑style computer systems to log hours, preparing them for real‑world workflow.

Graduates typically join a dealership under a mentor, gaining day‑to‑day exposure before taking full responsibility. “Our goal is to produce self‑sufficient, proficient technicians,” Lutz adds.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates often advance to shop foreman, work in parts, sales, and in every level within the dealership. Many maintain relationships with UTI alumni, and new instructors at the Orlando campus are themselves former students of the 56th class.⁶

Lutz emphasizes the breadth of opportunities: “Whether it’s dealership, BMW North America, or UTI, the possibilities are limitless.”

Demand for skilled technicians is high. In the latest graduating cohort, all but two students secured jobs on graduation day; the remaining students found positions within weeks.

Recent inquiries from Florida dealerships indicate a strong placement rate. To meet demand, UTI added a third afternoon class, boosting output and addressing the industry’s skills gap.

Passion is the catalyst for success. “Love the product, love the career,” Gary says. Many technicians stay long‑term with BMW because of this passion.

Ready to Build a Career You Love?

Congratulations to the UTI Orlando campus on this milestone. The BMW FastTrack program, available across UTI campuses starting in early 2022, offers a 12‑week intensive experience that aligns with dealership standards.

Participants earn BMW factory credentials and have transcripts entered into the BMW national training database, enhancing post‑graduation prospects.

To learn more about BMW MSAT training, visit our program page here or request more information today.