Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute’s HVACR Technician Program in Avondale, Arizona, trains students in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration system installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. The program supports preparation for entry-level HVAC and refrigeration support roles and prepares students to test for the EPA 608 certification. Training combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory work and runs for approximately 9–10 months. Coursework includes electrical fundamentals, refrigeration systems, air conditioning, heating systems, duct fabrication, construction codes and EPA 608 topics. The program page also states that no prior experience is required.

At a glance

• Format: In person
• Leads to: EPA 608 certification

Students in UTI’s Welding program learn about the procedures and equipment required to weld using gas metal arc (GMAW), shielded metal arc (SMAW), flux-cored arc (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc (GTAW) welders. Students also learn how to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions used for plate or sheet metal, and the fixed, rolling and overhead positions used for pipe.

GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING (TIG)

This course introduces students to gas tungsten arc welding, its characteristics and safety. Using the information they learned in previous courses, students develop the skills necessary to make gas tungsten arc welds on different metals, using both direct and alternating current methods.

VRTEX 360 “VIRTUAL WELDERS”

Application to safely practice welding before learning actual SMAW, (stick) GMAW, (MIG) and FCAW (flux-cored) processes in the lab.

PIPE WELDING

The pipe welding course introduces students to the different methods of welding pipe and tube using multiple types of metal transfer. Students learn the welding positions used, from horizontal rolling to stationary or vertical, along with how to use the correct tools and equipment for cutting and beveling of joints during assembly.

WELDING