Here’s some good news for BMW dealerships looking for more personnel to man their service bays.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has launched the first session of its new BMW FastTrack technician training programs at its Orlando, Fla., campus, the second location to begin offering the 12-week advanced training program.

A collaboration between the German automaker and UTI, officials highlighted the BMW FastTrack provides state-of-the-industry training on the latest models in production, utilizing the tools, technology and procedures that are specific and proprietary to BMW vehicles.

The BMW FastTrack program also launched at UTI’s Avondale, Ariz., campus. The program is slated to begin in California at UTI-Long Beach in April with additional campuses planned for later in the year.

According to a news release, any student who completes UTI’s core automotive program is eligible to apply for the additional BMW-specific training, which includes four technologies:

— Workshop
— Electrical
— Chassis
— Drivetrain

Once the BMW FastTrack curriculum is complete, students can earn seven BMW factory credentials and a BMW Associate Level Certification — after passing BMW-specific ASE testing and assessments.

The school mentioned graduates may also apply for additional, advanced training in the BMW STEP program, which is offered at BMW locations.

“We are thrilled to be starting one of the first classes of students entering the BMW FastTrack training on UTI campuses,” UTI-Orlando campus president Timothy Dauber said in a news release. “Students will be learning from top instructors in their respective fields. This program makes our graduates even more prepared to enter the automotive workforce as BMW technicians immediately upon graduation.

“Graduates who go to work at a BMW dealership may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement and other incentives, so it’s a great opportunity for our students to increase their knowledge and prepare for a rewarding, lifelong career,” Dauber continued.

“There is a need for more highly skilled BMW technicians across our dealer network, so our alliance with Universal Technical Institute is critical to ensuring our dealers have the staff they need, and our customers receive the exemplary service they’ve come to expect,” said Gary Uyematsu, national technical training manager for BMW of North America.

“Upon completion of the UTI program, technicians arrive at our dealers fully equipped to make an immediate contribution as maintenance level technicians,” Uyematsu went on to say.