Tracy Lorenz is Division President of Universal Technical Institute, the transportation, skilled trades, and energy division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Prior to joining the company as division president, Tracy served as the President and CEO of Triumph Higher Education and held multiple leadership roles at Apollo Education Group, including President of Western International University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business/Management and a Master of Strategic Management, both from Indiana University-Kelley School of Business.
Tell us about your company and the problem it solves, or its benefit to learners or educators.
Currently, there’s a disconnect between available career opportunities and graduates. Many students from traditional four-year institutions are struggling to find employment in today’s job market as AI replaces some entry-level office roles. In the past year, Handshake, a career platform for college students and recent graduates, has seen a 15% decline in job postings for entry-level roles and a 30% increase in applications. Meanwhile, employers in the skilled trades are facing a shortage of qualified talent. About 400,000 trade jobs are unfilled, and that number could increase to as much as 2 million by 2033. We help to address this gap by aligning our programs with industries that need workers.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc., founded in 1965, is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners, and communities nationwide. We prepare and support students for in-demand jobs through two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. I lead the Universal Technical Institute division, which provides programs in transportation, skilled trades, electrical, and energy fields across 15 campuses in nine states.
At UTI, students receive hands-on training that mirrors the workplace. We also maintain deep, longstanding relationships with employers seeking our graduates. By training students for careers where workforce demand exists and partnering closely with employers, we connect learners to meaningful careers while helping industries secure the skilled talent they need.
What is the challenge educators face today that is fixable?
Addressing workforce demand in the skilled trades begins with giving students more exposure to these careers in middle and high school. Conversations about postsecondary options often default to four-year colleges, leaving students unaware of opportunities in the trades.
Skilled trades roles are highly technical, requiring a solid foundation in STEM. For example, welding requires strong math skills. Emphasizing STEM coursework sets students up for success in technical programs and gives them the background needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
What is the challenge educators face today that will persist?
One ongoing challenge is changing outdated perceptions about the trades. These careers should be seen as first-choice options after high school, not a fallback. Schools have long emphasized four-year degrees as the primary pathway to success. While this suits some students, others who prefer hands-on work may find skilled trades roles are a better fit. The perception is starting to shift among districts, teachers, counselors, and parents, but to fully shift their perspectives, more progress is still needed.
What are the areas of education or training and workforce development that are being overlooked?
Students need early exposure to career options during the school day. In a recent Harris Poll survey, 86% of respondents said they feel the trades are overlooked in schools today. Reviving shop classes and expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs allows students to explore hands-on skills before deciding on a career path. Trying automotive repair in high school, for instance, could spark a lifelong interest in a trade. Investments in high school CTE programs strengthen the future workforce and provide students with the chance to explore practical, rewarding careers.
What do you foresee will be a challenge in education in three to five years?
Technology is continuously reshaping the job market, and careers that offer opportunities today may be less reliable in the near future. As AI transforms how we work, students will increasingly consider the ROI of their education, seeking more AI-resistant jobs.
Automation will push more students toward hands-on careers where human expertise remains essential. Interest in skilled trades will continue to grow among students, parents, and school counselors. Gen Z will focus on affordable, efficient options that lead directly to stable employment opportunities. Counselors will highlight technical training as a high-value alternative to traditional degrees, and once skeptical parents will recognize the career potential of programs supported by strong employer partnerships.