UTI-Houston Aviation Students Earn First Place at 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) Houston campus students achieved outstanding success at the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition in Atlanta, competing against 48 schools and professional teams. The team secured top 10 finishes in eight categories, including first-place victories in StandardAero Engine Fan Blade Removal and Fast Wiring Diagnostics. Led by DeAnte Herbin and coached by instructors Joseph Pradia and Joseph Parker, the team demonstrated exceptional skills in various technical challenges. Two team members, Adrian Pope and McKenzie Eck, received the prestigious Phoebe Omlie Scholarship. The competition, held alongside MRO Americas conference, showcases hands-on aviation maintenance skills in real-world industry scenarios.

Positive

• Secured first place in two critical aviation maintenance categories
• Achieved top 10 finishes in eight different technical challenges
• Two team members received the Phoebe Omlie Scholarship
• Strong performance against 48 competing schools and professional teams demonstrates program quality

Negative

• None.

Competing against 48 schools, the team achieved multiple top 10 finishes.

PHOENIX, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the transportation, skilled trades, electrical, and energy education division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., today announced that students from the UTI-Houston campus earned national recognition at the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) held alongside the annual MRO Americas conference in Atlanta.

The competition brings together the best and brightest in aviation maintenance—from students to seasoned professionals—to compete in hands-on challenges that mirror real-world industry scenarios. UTI's continued success at this national competition reflects the strength of its career-focused training program aligned to high industry standards.

Sponsored by United Airlines, the UTI-Houston team competed against 48 schools and professional teams from across the country and internationally, securing top 10 finishes in eight categories, including two first-place awards.

• 1st Place – StandardAero Engine Fan Blade Removal
• 1st Place – Fast Wiring Diagnostics, sponsored by WiN MS AERO Smart
• 2nd Place – Render Safe, sponsored by United Airlines
• 2nd Place – Antenna Gasket Installation Test, sponsored by Av-DEC
• 4th Place – Aircraft Tire Inspection, sponsored by Michelin
• 6th Place – Precision Torque Application, sponsored by Snap-on
• 7th Place – Cargo Floor Lock, sponsored by FedEx
• 10th Place – Fuel Nozzle Replacement, sponsored by Pratt & Whitney

Under the guidance of instructors and coaches Joseph Pradia and Joseph Parker, the team included:

• Team Lead: DeAnte Herbin
• Members: Aristotle Embuscado, Adrian Castillo, Christian Campbell, Nicholas Day, and Hunter Fricano
• Alternates: Ruben Landaverde, Grayson Galvin, Adrian Pope, and McKenzie Eck

"We are incredibly proud of the UTI-Houston team's performance," said Tracy Lorenz, Division President, Universal Technical Institute. "Their success underscores our rigorous education program, the unwavering dedication of our program instructors, and these students' exceptional hard work and commitment to excellence."

Two students, Adrian Pope and McKenzie Eck, were also recognized as Phoebe Omlie Scholarship recipients—an award that honors future aviation maintenance professionals.

To learn more about Universal Technical Institute's aviation programs, visit www.uti.edu.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners and communities nationwide. The company offers high-quality education and support services for in-demand careers via its two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 15 campuses located in nine states and offers a wide range of transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy training programs. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in eight states and online, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu; LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges; or X at @news_UTI and @ConcordeCareer.

Media Contact
Alanna Vitucci
avitucci@uti.edu
480.710.6843

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utihouston-aviation-students-earn-first-place-at-2025-aerospace-maintenance-competition-302479531.html

SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

FAQ

What awards did UTI-Houston win at the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition?

UTI-Houston won first place in StandardAero Engine Fan Blade Removal and Fast Wiring Diagnostics, plus secured top 10 finishes in six other categories including two second-place awards.

How many schools did UTI compete against in the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition?

UTI competed against 48 schools and professional teams from across the country and internationally.

Who were the members of the winning UTI-Houston team?

The team was led by DeAnte Herbin and included Aristotle Embuscado, Adrian Castillo, Christian Campbell, Nicholas Day, and Hunter Fricano, with alternates Ruben Landaverde, Grayson Galvin, Adrian Pope, and McKenzie Eck.

Which UTI students received the Phoebe Omlie Scholarship at the 2025 competition?

Adrian Pope and McKenzie Eck were recognized as Phoebe Omlie Scholarship recipients.

Who coached the UTI-Houston team for the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition?

The team was guided by instructors and coaches Joseph Pradia and Joseph Parker.