BMW of North America is the first premium automotive manufacturer to open an automotive technician training facility on a U.S. military base in partnership with Universal Technical Institute. Camp Pendleton will host the pilot program for service members transitioning from military service beginning Feb. 26, 2018.

WHAT: Grand opening ceremony for a first-of-its-kind training program for service members transitioning from military service on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BMW MSTEP (Military Service Technician Education Program) will provide new automotive career opportunities for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. The 16-week, BMW-specific technical education program features a specialized on-base curriculum and hours of hands-on technical training in a workshop setting, opening the door for service members to a promising future with the BMW brand.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018
1:00-2:00 pm PST
(1:00-1:30 remarks; 1:30-2:00 reception, tech demonstrations & interview opportunities)

WHERE: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Auto Skills Center, Building 13191 (escorts from main base gate)

WHO: Interview opportunities include:
 Bernhard Kuhnt, CEO of BMW of North America
 Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations West-Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
 Kim McWaters, CEO of Universal Technical Institute
 New BMW MSTEP Students
 Instructor during technology demonstration

ADDITIONAL: Video opportunities include:
 Opening remarks from officials
 Site of the BMW MSTEP training workshop including vehicles, computer diagnostics, tools and training aides
 Demonstrations of technology and computer diagnostics systems
 Scenes from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
 Vehicle display of some of the latest BMW models

Media interested in attending should RSVP with any of the contacts listed above by 12 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2018.

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