The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has launched a program in Exton, PA — in cooperation with local transportation industry employers — that’s designed to develop skilled employee pipelines and give students an inside track on long-term careers. This “Early Employment Initiative” blends post-secondary skills education with on-the-job, apprenticeship-type training.

Students can apply for jobs with participating employers as soon as they enroll at UTI’s Exton campus. Employers registered with the program can screen and hire incoming students before they start school, and provide on-the-job experience while students complete their education. Graduates who meet their employers’ criteria will receive reimbursement of school-related expenses and potentially other incentives, along with full-time employment.

The initiative launches in February. Participating employers include Bayshore Truck Centers, CarSense, Ciocca Dealerships, the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships, Herc Equipment, Republic Services and Rothrock Motor Sales.

UTI reports that there will be more than 30 early employment positions available to incoming students this winter.

The Exton campus is the second campus to offer such a program, following Avondale, AZ. UTI intends to roll this initiative out to all of its campuses across the country in time.