Enrolling in the Automotive Technician program at UEI College in Gardena was a defining moment in my career journey. What began as a goal to learn a trade quickly became a foundation for future business ownership, and much of that growth is credited to Mr. Raul Ramirez. Mr. Ramirez is an exceptional instructor and a true genius in automotive technology. He is meticulous, demanding, and uncompromising in his standards, yet always fair and respectful to every student. His unannounced, self-designed exams required complete mastery of the material and accurately reflected the pressure and expectations of real-world service centers. With experience at Tesla and other professional facilities, he consistently brought real-life scenarios into the classroom, teaching not only technical skills but professionalism, problem-solving, and operational thinking. While in his program, I balanced school with working as a professional tattoo artist and was honored to be selected as class ambassador. I graduated with a 3.89 GPA and, after graduation, secured a part-time position at DWP Auto Tech Services. Mr. Ramirez's mentorship and discipline provided the foundation and mindset I need as I work toward owning both an automotive repair shop and a tattoo business. I am truly honored to have been his student. read more

UEI College - Gardena - Mr Ramirez congratulating me as a graduate from his automotive class in UEI college finishing with a 3.89 GPA.. January 7th 2026 - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Gardena, California

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Ms. Arnold is the best teacher, honestly she be running the entire MA department. She trains us hard but trains us well. Every place I've been to I immediately knew what to do and even help correct others mistakes. If you go to Uei request Ms. Arnold. read more

Anyone who gives it 5 stars is by a staff or someone who was forced to write a good review. This school gives minimum support, effort, and resources. Yeah they try to force you to talk to them but only for your money, for you to pay. In fact, the first few months I was there, my professor didn't teach anything. And to TALK ABOUT ATTENDENCE. Half of the staff and professors didn't even show up to do their JOB. DONT come here only if you're asking for debt. read more

My husband attended the electrical program here. Upon finishing his program they were slow to get tool kits ready, didn't have his diploma ready, or a card he needed to start work. My husband made them aware he had a job opportunity but needed these things to be able to start and show he had done he had these qualifications to start. They didn't have any kind of urgency to get the things to him. read more

I am incredibly grateful for my time at UEI College. Choosing to pursue my education there was one of the best decisions I've made for my future. From day one, I felt supported, motivated, and surrounded by people who truly care about student success. The hands on training, structured curriculum, and real-world approach to learning gave me the confidence and technical skills I needed to grow into a capable and knowledgeable automotive technician.A huge thank you to my instructor, Mr. Raul, who played a major role in shaping me into the technician I am today. He is not only an outstanding teacher but also a true mentor. His passion for the automotive field shows in every lesson. Whether we were working on diagnostics, engine repair, electrical systems, or preventive maintenance, he made sure we understood not just how to do the job and why it's done that way. He pushed me to aim higher, take pride in my work, and always strive for 100% He taught us more than how to be a good technician but how to become a better person in life not to do things at 90%but 100% He was and is the best instructor I've had .I also want to give a special shout out to Mr. Sims and Mr. Felix for their support and guidance throughout my journey. Both of them brought knowledge, encouragement, and real-world insight into the classroom and shop. Their willingness to help, answer questions, and share their experience made a big difference in my growth and confidence. Having a strong automotive team at UEI that truly care about their students' success is something I will always appreciate.Because of the entire team at UEI College, I now feel fully prepared to step into the automotive industry with skill, confidence, and professionalism. I am proud of how far I've come and thankful for the instructors who helped me become the best automotive technician I can be. read more

To sum up my enrollment at UEI Gardena college, I'd say it was life changing. My professor, Raul Ramirez, pushed me to my fullest potential. Not only did I receive information about vehicles, I also got life advice that I was able to apply to all areas of my life. I owe UEI a lot, but most importantly I'm grateful for the support from my professor. I love UEI, best decision I ever made! read more

Absolutely. Here's a cleaned-up, professional version of your review that keeps your concerns clear and honest without sounding messy or overly emotional: --- Do not enroll here. While the instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, the career services and financial departments are severely lacking. Career services promised job placement assistance after graduation, but all they did was forward Indeed job listings--many of which were through staffing agencies and offered minimum wage. Which anyone can go out and apply to on indeed. The career counselors are unhelpful and show little interest once you've paid your tuition. The welding program costs $20,000 (certifications not included), and the HVAC program is $15,000, but neither provides actual certifications. I was told I would graduate certified in all welding processes that was a lie. You're better off learning the trade through a union or an apprenticeship, where you'll get paid while learning. After graduation, few companies want to hire students from here, and if they do, starting pay is around $16-$18/hour, which is barely above minimum wage. The school staff will say whatever it takes to get your money. Save yourself $20,000 and explore better options. read more

Having attended UEI I was able to create new friends from classmates and instructors, but also brought in my knowledge in the workforce and HVACR trade. Staff and instructors will guide you through your journey at UEI to help you with your goals of graduating UEI. read more

UEI College - Gardena - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Gardena, California

the automotive course with Mr. Raul Ramirez and Mr. Eric felix is very welcoming. They helps their students understand the fundamentals of automotive, teaches them about how shop environments must be, helps students become a better people from the day they show up to class and on campus. ms. Apollo is also a very helpful person. she listens to students and has a good connection with people and allowing them to be heard and felt welcomed to be themselves. the campus overall is a welcoming place where people can become better before starting their career path and leaving campus and stepping into their career path. read more

Graduated class of June 2024 for electrician technician. Have yet to receive my osha 10 card, cpr certificate, and ET card. Has been an ongoing battle to try and get this stuff. Beware before spending 13,000 on the course, because once you graduate they do not try and help anymore. read more

I would leave zero stars if yelp let me. I tried to stop my sister from attending UEI but she didn't listen to me. This school had my sister take out a $15,000 loan and he must repay back $23,000. She is a single mom who is special needs. He went in to inquire out the school and they sold her a dream. She completed the program and had a graduation but she till isn't licensed! I don't get it, you charged her the money, she completed the school and she is not a certified medical assistant? UEI should be ashamed of yourself. I will be contacting th Ombudsman for education. As well you have all the fake 5 star reviews from accounts who never even made a yelp. Look at the real comment from real yelpers. My sister is Cristina Nunez and you all should be ashamed. Charging university fees for a trade school with not certification. They told her to take her diploma to her job interviews as proof she is a medical assistant. read more

Unhappy Graduate Disappointed With UEI Gardena I graduated from UEI College in Gardenab 2 months ago and I still haven't been connected with a job that pays above minimum wage, and I have to say, I'm extremely disappointed with the overall experience. For a program that costs anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, I expected much better quality from the staff, to the services, to the actual education.First off, the staff was often unhelpful and hard to reach when I needed support. The communication was poor, and it felt like once they had your enrollment paperwork, you were on your own. The financial aid office was especially frustrating to deal with they lacked transparency and professionalism, and it always felt like I was getting the runaround when I asked basic questions about my loans or payments.Worse, if I was even a day late on something an assignment, a payment, or attendance I was often threatened with being dropped from the program or worse. There was no compassion, no flexibility, and no real support to help students succeed. It felt more like a business than a school.On top of that, the curriculum and tools were completely outdated. The resume builder looked like something from 2005, and many of the programs we were required to use were old, glitchy, and not relevant to today's job market. For the price we're paying, you'd expect UEI to invest in modern resources that actually help students build a future.Overall, I do not feel this school delivered on what it promised. If you're considering UEI Gardena, I strongly recommend doing your research and looking into more reputable and up-to-date options before committing your time and money. I graduated 2 months ago and it's impossible to get a job. All the jobs that you are sent from public knowledge from indeed, on top of that they are all minimum wage jobs. read more

This school is a scam and there system is outdated to even do the work I left the school within a week because of how unprofessional this establishment is and I unenrolled but had to come back on 6-7 different occasions to finally be removed from the school I 0/10 recommend this school and also they are trying to make me pay for the time I was there and put me in debt thats going to pop up on your credit score I talked to the president of school and he didn't even help I think they just take your money and drive Bentleys and order basic teachers off indeed.com to instruct also don't help when you graduate to get a job read more

Mr. Ramirez is my instructor for HVAC/R technician. He's a good instructor and honestly deserves a raise for what they ask of him. I came into his class, somewhat understanding what I was signing up for. I now understand source, path and loads, how to get units running and how to do maintenance on said units. Overall school experience could be better though. read more

I came to UEI Gardena Best decision I made.You get to learn, meet new people,have wonderful teachers, like Mrs Lamar, Mr Sims, and etc. And get get to have a career at the end and not just a job. read more

UEI College - Gardena - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Gardena, California

My post is on my teacher. I am thrilled to write this review for Ms. Palacios. She is an extraordinary educator who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. Ms. Palacios creates an engaging and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued. Her lessons are well-prepared and interesting, making the complexities of pharmacy technician training easy to understand. She provides constructive feedback and is always available to offer extra help and support. read more

I had a great experience from Mr.Brady Mrs.griffin, Mr.tarazas, Mr.tafoya, & Mr.Pete great instructors helped me out a lot even after graduating. you could literally weld all day and learn different techniques from different instructors. you don't get certified but it's all on you more time you spend in that booth the better you'll become and it'll be way easier to pass your test plates. good welding program from my experience read more

Best instructor in Uei is Mr .Dennis García very helpful and fun teacher makes sure we're all in the same page . Doesn't let you behind always teach us the right way very understanding . Thank you Mr Dennis with all you do thanks for teaching us . Greatest professor read more

Dr. Dennis Garcia is a great instructor. Smart, funny and structural class. Makes participating less intimidating. read more

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Very good staff and Instructors. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a new career and opportunities.

Mr Meza Is an awesome teacher he is so respectful to others, he made me LOVE school and I wish I was here everyday he is such a caring person PROTECT THIS MAN AT ALL COST. read more

UEI College - Gardena - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Gardena, California

If you plan on joining the HVAC trade, I recommend getting Mr. Ramirez as your instructor. He's really Hands-On, verbal and would love for you to participate and make mistakes in school rather than on the field. Sure. He might be harsh on you, but he's like that towards everyone and wants you to succeed in life. read more

I am currently a student in the HVAC trade in the Gardena campus, Mr. Ramirez is my current instructor and one of the best instructors one could think of. He's really helpful with breaking things down and really passionate about his job. Even on Fridays when we technically don't have school, he is willing to show up and teach students more than what they need/want. So far I've had a good experience in his class and plan on learning more. read more

My experience at this school has been great and Ms. Bealey is the best teacher. She takes her time and makes sure you really understand the work. She answers all questions and helps whenever you need it. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO LEARN. When I first inquired about the school they called me so many times as if I owed them money, seriously. The people in the office are just there for decoration, they never know what's going on or who you are or who you need to talk to if you have a question or concern. The first person I encountered was Mike & although he was nice he could ever give me a straight answer to any of my questions. We were supposed to be given 2 sets of uniforms & medical equipment for MA course & every time I asked about it, I was given a rehearsed line "go talk to someone in resources & fill out a form." I never got my second uniform or stethoscope & was given an attitude by almost everyone for inquiring about what my FASFA loans paid for & what I was promised. My instructor never had majority of the necessary learning material unless it was on paper & could be copied for the masses & would take his frustrations from backlash he was getting from his superiors out of his students. Machines never worked & most times we didn't even have band aids, alcohol wipes or cotton balls (1 student bought them from home). My boiling point was when I submitted my leave of absence for maternity FOUR TIMES & was denied each time & then dropped from the course when I didn't show up for labs twice a week. I still get calls/emails from people in the office about my remaining balance that's due in cash every month which I won't be paying it since I no longer go attend this lousy excuse for a "school". This school is money-hungry, unorganized, unprepared & not worth the headaches. I met great people here but this school needs a major change! read more

They are so quick to get your money and pretend they care about you and your future!!!! Honestly if I knew this school was like this I wouldn't have signed up in the beginning, nothing but lies from this school.... they are so quick to drop you and still take away your money! Like are you kidding me?! Not only that they say one thing and then say and do another and don't keep the promises they tell you, I thought this school was gonna change or be better after I left and involving someone higher up from corporate but I guess not, how upsetting! read more

Ms . Morataya is the best instructor! She is always helpful and available to assist students outside of class . Mr. Gary & Ms. Smith are always have their door open to help with issues and always bring an upbeat attitude to the school . read more

DO NOT ATTEND UEI go to a real college instead! I was there during the pandemic and did not have an instructor for 4 months!!! When she was there there was little assistance, a lack of technical knowledge and subject knowledge. She also refused to wear a mask as well as half of the staff. I had to report them several times (yeah I reported you!). I stuck it out cause I got assistance to pay for it but now they are trying to charge me for not completing my externship due to lack of babysitter. Their externship is at least two months where everyone else's is 1 month. I basically read and taught myself, go to AAPC directly or a community college. This school is BS. read more

Do not enter your information on their website if you are weighing out options. They will spam with calls and emails until you answer. I got at least 7 calls back to back in less than an hour. Tried talking to the phone operators, they are no help they are simply trying to get more personal information and force a visit to the campus. I called multiple times to have my number removed and to not receive any more calls. I was told they couldn't do that and to block each number myself. Such an inconvenience and extremely frustrating. read more

If you really want to learn a trad this is the place. AUTO,HVAC. Electrical.and many more.

Jamie Ramirez excellent job at teaching HVAC highly recommend. If you don't do your work that's a You Problem. He does everything in his power to give you so much knowledge of you just do the work and participate you you gone be alright read more

I am currently attending the HVAC/R class at UEI Gardena and have Mr. Ramirez as my instructor. I could not have asked for a better instructor. Mr. Ramirez is very detailed and makes absolutely sure that everyone in the class understands what we are learning. He does not only give us the information on what we are doing but also has us doing hands on work to put the thing we learn in real life applications. He definitely makes me feel more confident in pursuing an HVAC career. read more

If you're looking to jumpstart a career at your own place this is the place to go. I am now a graduate student working a job in my field. If you enjoy working in the medical field I definitely recommend the pharmacy technician program, Ms.Palacios class is the best ! read more

I'm currently enrolled in the MA program, it was already a red flag since the first day of school, our teacher wasn't here the first dav then quit on us 2 months later.. we currently have an amazing teacher (Ms. Cano) who has done above and beyond for us trying to get us what we need and the school simply ignores her BUT the school does not want to provide us with enough supplies (needles, tubes, gloves, masks, band aides, alcohol wipes) etc. SPECIALLY HAND SOAP (wants us to reuse the stickers for EKG) making it harder for us to learn and students pay alot for this school not to have the supplies we need. DO NOT COME TO THIS SCHOOL!!!!!!!! read more

Love all the staff members very caring very motivating especially Gary, Dr. Miranda, and Ms. Bealey.

I'm In the welding class . And it's great Mrs. griffon is an awesome instructor who goes over everything throughly, highly recommended coming to the class . read more

Thank you Dr Meza for educating me. You have been a very important and influential in my new developments. I can not forget Theresa Smiles who helped as well with professionalism and presentation. Theresa taught my how to be a better professional. And uplifted me in my goals through counseling and listen to the mundane as well as importance of Medical assistant behavior. Gary thank you for keeping up with me making sure I knew where and when events were. And Pattie thank you for listening when I needed someone to talk to and being there for support. It takes a village and UEI has the best village In have seen in a long time. Thank you UEI. Everyone who enrolls This is a bit of advice when you get started go all the way. Please I'm doing well because I went all the way. read more

This college is terrible. Completely overpriced and little to no supplies for students. On top of that the material they do have is dinky and/or outdated. Yojaira from career center is very rude and barely helps. The only upside is the rest of the staff. My teacher at the time, Ms.Bealey, was one of the most motivating and helpful teachers. She was very hands on and caring. Always willing to repeat topics and work one on one. She was always behind you picking you up and reminding u to keep up with ur homework and class work. If it wasn't for her I would've dropped out. She was one of the ONLY staff members that were truly genuine, cared about their job and cared about your student career. Thank you MS.Bealey!!!!! -Grace read more

Love this school! Helped me into getting my best career of my life ! Thank you!!! And thank you to the best Instructor that helped me each step of the way thank you Dr Meza!!! read more

I just enrolled in this college and so far I like it. Dr Garcia is great I love how he teaches.