As the 2019 UBTech Student of the Year, many around the Uintah Basin got used to seeing McKinlee Thacker’s big smile on posters and ads for the school. Since graduating with certificates in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Welding, and CDL, McKinlee’s success has continued, most recently as one of 12 contestants on MotorTrend’s new competition digital series ‘Bitchin’ Boot Camp’ that takes place in a custom car fabrication shop. According to a press release from UBTech, the shop owner Dave Kindig visited UBTech in early 2019 and met McKinlee at that time. Impressed with her accomplishments, Kindig recommended McKinlee for the show and the casting director later contacted her about the opportunity. The series started March 14th and the contestants are competing to earn a full-time job at Kindig-it Design. “During her early adolescent years, being knowledgeable in the auto industry was fun for her to spar with the boys,” laughs McKinlee’s father, Mark Thacker. “She would usually win. She hurt her back in sports but it opened up another door to UBTech. She flourished! She became who and what she wanted to be, it was the best thing for her.” McKinlee almost didn’t apply to be on the show because she worried she wasn’t good enough but thankfully overcame the doubt. “Although it was terrifying, it was a great experience,” shares McKinlee. “I learned so much while I was there and it was an honor to compete with the best of the best. Having this opportunity gave me a confidence boost and taught me that everybody is still learning and I can do anything I set my mind to! I’m so grateful for my technical training and I’m excited to keep learning.” McKinlee is the only contestant from Utah and new episodes are released on the MotorTrend App every Saturday. 
