The Client
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a combination of programs in the automotive industry.UTI has relationships with prestigious automotive companies including:
- Audi of America, Inc.
- BMW of North America
- International Truck and Engine Corporation
- Jaguar Cars
- Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Volkswagen of America, Inc.
- Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
These companies have selected UTI as a source for highly qualified students for their graduate level technician training programs.UTI’s California Campus in Rancho Cucamonga provides training in Automotive Technology with Hot Rod U, a high performance program with course offerings developed by UTI and Hot Rod Magazine.For more information about Universal Technical Institute, log on to www.uticorp.com.
The Solution
Scholastic Level Exam (SLE): The SLE has proven to be a better predictor of training success than grade point average, level of education and special skills. This is because the test identifies an individual’s capacity for learning, as well as the ability to apply knowledge.The SLE is a 12-minute test that can be administered in individual or group settings. The complete process, including scoring and interpretation, takes only about 15 minutes.
Wonderlic Helps Universal Technical Institute Navigate State Testing Requirements
Universal Technical Institute’s (UTI) California campus needed a fast way to test potential students before granting them admission. The test needed to do two things: determine whether they were suited for the automotive programs offered at the campus, and to fulfill mandatory state entrance requirements. The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) did both. The SLE is a test of cognitive ability, or a person’s ability to learn and apply knowledge, and has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education to fulfill student test requirements set by the state of California for entrance into the college.
“The SLE is a great tool,” says Jennifer Garcia, director of student services. “It is quick and reliable. We can bring groups of students through in shifts of 40 to take the test,” Garcia says, which is especially appealing since the school has plans to triple in size this year. “With the expansion, we needed to complete the testing process faster,” Garcia said. “Wonderlic has helped us do that.”The paper-based test takes twelve minutes from start to finish and the DOE requires students to achieve a minimum score of 13 to be accepted into the program. If students don’t pass on the first try they can return one week later to be retested, Garcia adds. Once UTI receives the test scores, they file them and notify students within three to five days of their results. Each test costs the school less than two dollars.
When UTI’s new building is completed, Garcia expects to upgrade to the computer version of the test to further speed up the testing process. “Once the software is installed, people can just walk in and take the test.” She says this will make her job easier and make the application process even faster. But speed and quality aren’t all that Garcia likes about Wonderlic. “It’s not just the test that’s great, it’s the whole company,” she said. “Wonderlic makes every process so much easier.” From detailed material on how to conduct tests to personal support in solving accreditation problems, Wonderlic works with Garcia to handle all of her testing needs.
Accompanying manuals and scripts explain exactly how to conduct the test, how to walk students through sample questions and how to fill out the answers properly, giving Garcia and her team peace of mind that everyone gets the same experience. “The scripts ensure that every time we give the test it’s a clean and uniform process. It also reduces the anxiety levels in the students.”
Garcia also appreciates how much help her client representative at Wonderlic has given her in dealing with the state governing boards. When Garcia switched to the SLE for the state required entrance test, she had to notify the state of the change and get their approval. “It can be difficult to get answers at the state level,” she admits. “Wonderlic is excellent in dealing with them.”
Before meeting with the accrediting agencies for the state, the post-secondary education specialist at Wonderlic, Justin Long, helped her understand the rules for entrance exams and how the SLE met California’s requirements. “When dealing with accrediting agencies, the rules can be a little gray and difficult to interpret,” she says. “He made it easy for me to talk to the state and clarify what we are doing.” As a result, Garcia was able to complete the paperwork and get approval from the state quicker than she expected.
“Wonderlic’s customer service is phenomenal,” she adds, noting that it’s nice to have the same person to deal with all the time. “Anytime I need to get a hold of something, such as audits, graphs or evaluations, Justin responds immediately. I appreciate that.”
