MIAT Programs FAQs

FOR ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY

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AVIATION MAINTENANCE

1. Why do students choose the aviation maintenance program?

Of all MIAT’s programs, aviation maintenance is often the most familiar to prospects because of the prevalence of aviation in our everyday lives. This familiarity, which is often shared by parents and influencers, makes them more confident to choose aviation maintenance as a career path. Parents of many high school students favor the aviation industry because it’s so large with many career opportunities.

Aviation students vary in their backgrounds. There are some who come from a line of aviation professionals, and others who are simply drawn to the excitement of the industry and ability to pursue a career that involves working with your hands every day. Many students dream of working at the airport for well-known companies like Delta, Spirit and United.

2. How long is the program?

There are two variations of the aviation program, both of which are offered at the Canton, MI, and Houston, TX, MIAT campuses:

  • Airframe & Powerplant Technician (20 months)*
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology (24 months)

*Admissions Representatives can only enroll into the technician program.

3. What’s the difference between the two programs?

The 20-month Airframe & Powerplant program offers a certificate in Canton and diploma in Houston, whereas completing the full 24-month Aviation Maintenance Technology program awards graduates an associate degree, which may add value to their candidacy for positions requiring the degree. That is why many students choose it initially or return after the Airframe & Powerplant program to take the additional courses later.

Both programs prepare students to test for Airframe and Powerplant FAA certification, which is highly valued in the field. This, in combination with the associate degree, could be beneficial to graduates as they look to advance in their careers.

4. Can students return to finish the associate degree?

The great thing about these programs is that they’re “stackable,” meaning if someone wants to start with the Airframe & Powerplant program, they can later return to take the four months of additional classes to earn an associate degree. Oftentimes, students will start with the Airframe & Powerplant program and may stop there if they receive a job offer or decide to continue on with the degree-granting option.

There is no time frame in which students’ credits expire, so those who take the Airframe & Powerplant program are able to return to earn their associate at any time without needing to retake courses. Plus, these additional courses are all online, which provides great flexibility.

5. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

There’s no doubt the aviation industry is exciting, and there’s a certain level of prestige when it comes to working in this field. Planes and other aircraft help keep our world moving, and having an understanding of how they work and how to troubleshoot and repair them brings a lot of pride for students. Plus, these aren’t just any engines that aviation techs are working on. They’re massive engines that power aircraft weighing thousands of pounds.

6. What are roadblocks in the minds of students that keep them from enrolling in this program?

For some prospects, working in the aviation industry can seem like a far-fetched idea. This is more common among high school students who have ruled out college as an option post-graduation. They may think they aren’t smart enough to work on planes or that years and years of training is required. When this is the case, it’s our job to help them understand that even though they'll be working on complex jet turbines, this program will build their knowledge from the ground up. No prior mechanical experience is required.

7. What makes this program unique?

MIAT’s aviation programs are unique because of the relationships the school has with the industry. MIAT collaborates with big-name brands like Spirit Airlines, which helps shape the curriculum of the program and could benefit students as they look for employment in the field.

8. What do students learn? What do they learn to service in the program?

Students learn to service many types of aircraft — from planes to helicopters to jets — from nose to tail in this program. Students with military backgrounds will sometimes ask if turbine and reciprocating engines are included as part of the curriculum, and they are. Students with prior exposure may also ask about avionics, which encompasses the electrical systems of a plane. This is also included in the coursework.

9. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Within the aviation industry, there are many potential career paths graduates can take. The majority of graduates work as aviation maintenance technicians, but there are grads who pursue other paths such as turbine technicians and field technicians. Within these roles, there are opportunities to work in different environments, whether it’s for a manufacturer in a shop environment or at the airport. Some prospects ask about being contracted to work for the government — also a possibility with this training.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that these programs prepare graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, there may be advancement opportunities that require additional skills and experience.

10. What shifts do graduates typically work?

As prospects inquire about outcomes for the aviation program, they often ask about what their schedule could look like when working in the field. While this varies, it’s common for new graduates to pick up the late-night shifts, as there’s not as much traffic. That allows for more training opportunities. As they get experience under their belt, they can be considered for first or second shift.

11. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Many parents’ questions have to do with the outcomes of this training. For those who are set on their child earning a degree, it brings a lot of comfort knowing there’s an option for students in this program to earn an associate degree. Of all MIAT’s programs, aviation maintenance is popular among parents because they recognize the names of the companies graduates work for and view the outcomes as the closest thing to a corporate America job. They like hearing that with the associate degree, their child gains the potential to climb the ladder toward industry positions that require the degree. If the student chooses, they could even continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree at another school later.

Energy Technology

1. Why do students choose the Energy Technology program?

Energy Technology is a popular choice among students due to the wide variety of topics the program covers. Students in this program aren’t limited to just one path after graduation. They have a foundation of skills they can build on in many different career avenues within the energy industry, whether it’s in wind, industrial, nuclear, gas, coal, power distribution or solar. This program is really designed to prepare them for the industry now and in the future.

2. How long is the program?

The Energy Technology program is 16 months from start to finish and is offered at MIAT’s Canton, MI, and Houston, TX, campuses.

3. Is this a degree-granting program?

Yes. Graduates of this program earn an associate of applied science degree, which could help set them apart as they apply for roles in the field.

4. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

The Energy Technology program is unique in that it combines two of MIAT’s programs into one. The curriculum includes both the Wind Power Technician and Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) programs plus the courses required to earn an associate degree. Note that a student must complete the wind or IMT certificate in Canton or diploma in Houston before being able to enroll in the full Energy Technology associate degree program.

This program opens graduates up to a variety of career paths, making it an ideal choice for someone who wants to get into the energy industry but doesn’t know exactly what they want to do.

Topics covered in the program include:

  • Energy industry fundamentals and safety compliance
  • Applied physics and precision measuring
  • DC and AC basic electricity
  • Advanced electrical theory
  • Wind technology and components
  • Wind turbine operation
  • Renewable energy sources

5. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

Oftentimes, students who choose this program have worked in the industry for some time and realized they need a degree and/or certifications in order to advance in their career. They may have worked in an environment where they shadowed someone in a higher-level role who encouraged them to pursue some type of advanced training.

As far as traits go, these students tend to be visual learners who prefer to work with their hands. They like a challenge and want a career that keeps them on their toes.

6. What makes students excited about this program?

Students who enroll in this program may have an interest in renewable energy and the shift from coal and mining to renewables. They are likely drawn to the idea of having flexible options when it comes to their career and tend to be very strong problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Depending on the student, they may have more of an interest in the wind side or industrial maintenance side but decided to take this program to get a well-rounded education and set themselves apart with an associate degree.

7. What makes this program unique?

MIAT programs are developed in direct response to feedback from industry leaders looking for qualified employees, and the school collaborates with these employers to tailor its programs to fit industry needs. This benefits students while they’re in the program and can also provide them with industry introductions once they graduate.

8. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue a wide variety of options once they leave MIAT. Many prospects who inquire about this program come in wanting to become powerplant operators, who work on turbines that generate power and electricity. Although this is a more advanced role, MIAT’s program can serve as a great foundation for a grad who wants to work up to a position like this, especially since the program offers an associate degree.

Common titles obtained by grads include wind power technician or industrial maintenance technician. Others include installation technician, field service technician, boiler technician and plant technician.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, there may be advancement opportunities that require additional skills and experience.

9. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Parents are typically fond of the Energy Technology program due to the fact that it is degree-granting. They’re also drawn to the fact that it covers many different aspects of the industry, so their child isn’t locked into just one option after graduation. Oftentimes, if a child is interested in wind or industrial maintenance individually, the parents will encourage them to take this program to broaden their scope and earn a degree.

When it comes to energy, parents are often not as familiar with the industry and what it entails, which requires a bit more education. Their main concern often has to do with the career outcomes of the program as well as industry outlook, as they want their son or daughter to have a stable career they can fall back on in the years to come. Because of this, there is some education that must happen upfront to help parents understand the industry and the opportunities it provides.

Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT)

1. What is an industrial maintenance technician?

Industrial maintenance technicians perform maintenance and repairs on machinery that powers many different industries, from gas and coal to nuclear and solar. On any given day, they may perform diagnostics, clean and lubricate machinery, or test damaged parts to determine if they need replacing.

2. Why do students choose the Industrial Maintenance Technician program?

The Industrial Maintenance Technician program is a common choice among students looking for a quick route toward a career in the energy industry. These students are likely analytical thinkers with strong problem-solving skills, and they prefer hands-on work over sitting at a desk.

3. How long is the program?

The Industrial Maintenance Technician program is seven months at MIAT’s Canton campus and nine months at the Houston campus.

4. Why is the program a different length at each campus?

The differences in the programs have to do with the locations where they’re offered. The Houston program is power production-centric, focusing on gas turbines, power station operations, and steam operations. The Canton program is industrial maintenance technician-centered, focusing on automation, electrical controls and maintenance support for manufacturing. These differences are believed to be what best prepares a student to go out into the field in their area.

5. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

In less than a year, this program is designed to build students’ knowledge from the ground up. Topics covered in the program include:

  • Energy industrial fundamentals and safety compliance
  • Applied physics and precision measuring
  • Advanced electrical theory
  • Materials processing, welding and diesel
  • Steam and gas turbines

6. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

The industrial maintenance route is popular among those who come from the military, where they’ve likely been exposed to the industry and have a concept of what it is. Industrial maintenance isn’t as well-known by the general public, so typically these prospects come in having prior knowledge or experience with the industry. While students do choose to take this program after high school, it’s not as popular among this demographic as they often don’t have an idea of what the industry is.

7. What makes students excited about this program?

Since many of these students come in with prior knowledge, they get excited to earn the education they need to help them advance in the field. These students enjoy a good challenge and don’t want to be stuck in one linear career path, so the ability to dive into a wide variety of topics in a short seven- to nine-month time period is appealing.

8. What makes this program unique?

MIAT programs are developed in direct response to feedback from industry leaders looking for qualified employees, and the school collaborates with these employers to tailor its programs to fit industry needs. This benefits students while they’re in the program and can also provide them with industry introductions once they graduate.

Additionally, a unique aspect about the IMT program is that it can be combined with the wind power program in the 16-month Energy Technology program, which provides graduates with an associate degree.

9. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Many prospects who inquire about this program aspire to become powerplant operators. This typically isn’t an entry-level role in the field, but in combination with industry experience, MIAT’s program can provide a great foundation for this career path.

The most common title obtained by graduates of this program is industrial maintenance technician, but grads have also gone on to become boiler technicians and plant technicians — all of which can be gateways toward becoming a powerplant operator. Another potential career option they could work up to is being a facilities manager, such as the individual responsible for maintaining the facilities of a school district.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, there may be advancement opportunities that require additional skills and experience.

10. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Parents who have children interested in this program are oftentimes unfamiliar with the industry, so they need an introduction to what professionals in this field do. They typically have questions regarding career outcomes and are looking to understand what paths will be available to their child and how stable they are. For parents of younger students, they may really want their child to earn a degree in their post-secondary education, which is where the broader Energy Technology program can come into play (which offers an associate degree).

WIND

1. What is a wind power technician?

Wind technicians install, maintain, and repair the three major components of the turbine — the tower, blades and nacelle — on a regular basis. This is done by entering the turbine through the base of the tower and climbing a ladder or riding an elevator up through the tower shaft. Depending on the task at hand, wind turbine technicians may be suspended hundreds of feet in the air!

2. Why do students choose the Wind Power Technician program?

Many prospects see the wind program as a strong value due to its price point, the speed to graduation, and the growing demand in the field. They’re also intrigued by the ability to travel in their career since wind technicians are often on the go.

3. How long is the program?

The Wind Power Technician program is just seven months in length and is offered at MIAT’s Canton, MI, and Houston, TX, campuses. It’s MIAT’s shortest program.

4. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

Students in this program get a comprehensive view of the wind power industry and gain the hands-on skills needed to start a career as a technician. Topics covered in the program include:

  • Energy industrial fundamentals and safety compliance
  • Applied physics and precision measuring
  • DC and AC basic electricity
  • Advanced electrical theory
  • Wind technology and components
  • Wind turbine operation
  • Climb and rescue

5. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

The Wind Power Technician program is popular among high school students, as the younger crowd is drawn to the thrill and adventure of this career path. High school students are also drawn to the fact that the program takes just seven months to complete, so they can get started on their career in a short amount of time.

That’s not to say this program isn’t of interest to older students. However, their motivations just differ. Adult students tend to be drawn to the wind industry due to its income potential, growth and stability. Employment is projected to grow 68% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm (visited 4-13-22). BLS projects total employment for Wind Turbine Technicians will increase from 6,900 in 2020 to 11,700 in 2030. The Universal Technical Institute family of schools, including UTI and MIAT, are educational institutions and cannot guarantee employment or salary.

6. What makes students excited about this program?

Students who choose this program are often excited by the ability to travel in their career, and they like the idea of no two days being exactly alike. This profession involves a lot of climbing, which is ideal for the thrill seeker. When needed, it’s not uncommon for helicopters to raise wind turbine technicians up to the desired working height.

7. What makes this program unique?

MIAT programs are developed in direct response to feedback from industry leaders looking for qualified employees, and the school collaborates with these employers to tailor its programs to fit industry needs. This benefits students while they’re in the program and can also provide them with industry introductions once they graduate.

Additionally, a unique aspect about the wind program is that it can be combined with the IMT program in the 16-month Energy Technology program, which provides graduates with an associate degree.

8. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Graduates of this program typically go on to become wind power technicians, but there are other roles in the field they can pursue. Other titles obtained by graduates include installation technicians and field service technicians. As far as industries go, they can work in service, manufacturing, construction, commissioning and even sales.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, there may be advancement opportunities that require additional skills and experience.

9. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Parents of children interested in the wind route often inquire about safety. They want to know their son or daughter will learn the proper safety measures in school in order to have a long and successful career in the field. Some families bring up demand and job outlook. However, most prospects who inquire about this program are already aware there’s a growing demand for trained wind professionals.

This career definitely falls in the nontraditional category, so parents have to wrap their minds around this. For those who are set on their child earning a degree, a great option is to enroll the student in the 16-month Energy Technology program, which is degree-granting and includes wind power as part of the curriculum.

HVACR

1. What is an HVACR technician?

HVACR technicians maintain and install heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial buildings. Technicians’ tasks vary based on specialty, but primarily include service and installation in a variety of environments such as homes, schools, factories, refrigerated warehouses and hospitals. Other responsibilities include preventative maintenance, equipment tune-up, and troubleshooting and repairs of air conditioning and heating systems.

2. Why do students choose the HVACR program?

HVACR is often considered to be a very practical career path. Like aviation, many prospects and their families are familiar with the industry and the stability it can provide, which makes it a top choice. Prospects also choose this program due to the flexibility it provides. Graduates have the skills to pursue careers in residential, commercial, or refrigeration, depending on their interests.

3. How long is the program?

MIAT’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) program is just nine months in length and is available at two campus locations: Canton, MI, and Houston, TX.

4. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

Working on HVACR systems requires an awareness of safety procedures, knowledge of heating and cooling, familiarity with tools used in the industry, and the ability to perform a variety of manual skills. In MIAT’s program, students learn all of this and more. Some key topics covered in the program include:

  • Mechanical and electronic controls troubleshooting
  • AC and DC circuits and components
  • Schematics use and interpretation
  • Piping and fitting basics
  • Sheet metal ductwork
  • Air handling and hydronics
  • Vent system selection and installation

5. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

HVACR prospects typically come in having a general idea of what the field is and what a career could look like, as it’s easy to look around and see that every home, business, and shopping mall needs HVACR.

Of all MIAT’s programs, HVACR is popular among those who have an entrepreneurial spirit due to the nature of the job and ability to go off on your own. Typically, if someone completes a training program like MIAT’s and works for three years in the field, they can test for their mechanical contractor license (not offered through MIAT) and perhaps open their own company. Even among those who don’t open companies of their own, this career has a very entrepreneurial feel as techs are able to work independently out in the field as they go from job to job.

This is a career favored by both high school students and adult/career changers. However, their motivations are often different. For example, high school students are often drawn to the field because of the income potential and ability to “be your own boss” while adult students and career changers are often motivated by job security.

6. What is an advantage for students taking this program?

An advantage to MIAT’s HVACR program is the school’s industry relationships. MIAT has a program advisory committee of representatives from leading brands who help shape curriculum and often hire graduates after they complete their program. This also helps to ensure the program’s curriculum keeps pace with the industry as it grows and changes.

Additionally, MIAT’s program is designed to closely mirror the industry. Many of the training aids students train on are the same types of equipment they’ll run into in the field.

7. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Within the HVACR industry, there are a variety of career paths graduates can pursue. For those who are more outgoing and enjoy interacting with people, the residential route may be a great fit, as these techs spend their days going from home to home and communicating with owners. On the other hand, the commercial route may be ideal for someone on the shy side, as these techs will work on the equipment while much of the communication is handled by the company.

The most common title obtained by graduates is HVACR technician, but others go on to become installation technicians or refrigeration technicians, just to name a few. It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, there may be advancement opportunities that require additional skills and experience.

8. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Parents are often drawn to HVACR due to their familiarity with the industry. They’ve likely interacted with an HVACR technician at some point in their life, so they have more of an understanding of what this career entails.

A big topic in the HVACR industry and one that parents commonly bring up is certification. The HVAC certifications that MIAT offers include:

  • EPA Universal Refrigerant Handling Certification, including Core, Type I, Type II, Type III, of the Federal Clean Air Act Section – 608 (EPA examinations administered by ESCO on campus)
  • North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Core exams
  • R410a
  • OSHA 10 General construction

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

1. What is non-destructive testing (NDT)?

Non-destructive testing is an analysis and testing technique used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure, or system for defects without causing damage to the original part. Destructive testing is a process that involves testing a part until the point it’s destroyed to identify its breaking point, whereas non-destructive testing does this while keeping the part intact. This process is used on all kinds of materials, from dams and bridges to trains and cranes.

2. What does an NDT technician do?

The main purpose of a non-destructive testing technician (NDT) is to ensure that all products coming out of a particular factory meet a standard of quality and safety set by that particular company. This can include anything from visual standards to structural standards. An NDT tech may be visually inspecting products to ensure that they do not contain cracks or imperfections on the exterior surface. This helps to ensure that every customer receives the highest quality product and will be satisfied with their purchase, and it also keeps our world safe.

3. Why do students choose the NDT program?

NDT is a very complex field, but most prospects who inquire about the program already have some level of familiarity with the industry and what an NDT tech does. Oftentimes, they’re adult students who’ve worked in an environment where they’ve been around NDT techs, such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and even aviation. A large portion of NDT students also come from the military where they were exposed to the craft and realized they needed to go back to school in order to get into it themselves.

Among high school students, NDT is not quite as popular simply due to the fact that these students aren’t as aware of what it is. They’ve likely never heard of non-destructive testing, so they first need to understand what it is before seeing it as a viable career option.

4. How long is the program?

The NDT program is nine months in length and offered at MIAT’s Houston, TX campus.

5. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

This program is designed to build students’ knowledge from the ground up. Throughout their courses, they’re introduced to the primary areas of non-destructive testing: eddy current, visual penetrant, magnetic particle, and ultrasound and radiography — all processes used to test the integrity of parts. The knowledge and skills they gain serve as a foundation for whatever route they decide to take in the industry.

6. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

NDT students are detail-oriented and are always up for a challenge. They enjoy working with their hands, are typically very analytical, and have strong problem-solving skills. As mentioned, they’re often adult and ex-military students looking for a new career path.

7. What makes students excited about this program?

NDT students take pride in the fact that this is an industry most people aren’t familiar with — but it’s so critical to everything we do. To them, NDT is the greatest job no one knows about. When we look at the world around us, so much — from the roads we travel on to the buildings we spend our time in to the vehicles we drive — is possible, thanks to NDT. In work environments, the job of an NDT tech is often viewed as very elevated, which excites students and makes them want to get into the industry.

8. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Graduates of this program often go on to become non-destructive testing technicians, but these techs can work in a wide variety of settings. Graduates have also reported careers as quality control technicians and inspectors.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, gaining additional skills and experience may prepare them for advancement opportunities in the field.

9. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Parents are often unaware of what non-destructive testing is, so in order to stand behind it, they need to first understand what NDT techs do and why their role is so important. As with any program, parents are usually curious about the outcomes and career options students can have after graduation. The great thing about NDT is that it prepares students to work in many different industries, which parents like to hear.

Robotics & Automation

1. What is robotics and automation?

Robotics is the process of creating and using robots to complete certain tasks. Automation refers to the process of using technology to perform tasks typically completed by humans. Automation and robotics technology is a broad term that refers to utilizing robots in an automated fashion. This complex science supports many different industries.

2. Why do students choose the Robotics & Automation program?

Robotics and automation is an up-and-coming industry that we’re seeing a demand for. Prospects inquiring about this program often are looking to get into one of the following sectors, all of which the program covers:

  • Electrical: This involves programmable logic controllers (PLCs), circuits, and controlling systems.
  • Mechanical: Think mechanical systems, large or small conveyor systems, industrial robots and robotic arms.
  • Computer systems: This includes coding, programming, and computer-aided design.

3. How long is the program?

There are two variations of the robotics and automation programs, both of which are offered at the MIAT Canton, MI, and Houston, TX, campuses:

  • Robotics and Automation Technician certificate program in Canton or diploma in Houston (12 months)*
  • Robotics and Automation Technology associate of applied science degree (18 months)

*Admissions Representatives can only enroll into the technician program.

4. What’s the difference between the two programs?

The 12-month robotics program grants graduates a certificate or diploma, whereas the 18-month option allows students to increase their value in the marketplace by obtaining their associate of applied science (AAS) degree.

In this field, an associate degree is considered to be very valuable, especially if the student wants to work their way up into higher roles later down the road. However, both programs provide graduates with a foundation of skills they can use to start working in the field.

5. Can students return to finish their associate degree?

The great thing about these programs is that they’re “stackable,” meaning if someone wants to start with the 12-month program, they can later return to take the six months of additional classes to earn an associate degree. These courses cover advanced electro-mechanical devices, advanced troubleshooting, and critical thinking.

Oftentimes, students will start with the certificate or diploma program and may stop there if they receive a job offer, or decide to continue on with the degree-granting option.

6. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

Both programs cover a variety of topics in order to give students a comprehensive set of skills. Some of these include:

  • Manufacturing systems and technology
  • Applied physics and precision measuring
  • Industrial networking
  • C programming
  • 3D design and manufacturing
  • Drafting and computer-aided design
  • Digital electronics and circuits

7. Is 3D printing included in the program?

Yes! Students learn 3D part creation utilizing CAD software (Autodesk Inventor) then run the part through slicing software to create a GCODE based on user parameters. They learn how to calibrate the 3D printer in preparation for loading the GCODE file, and will troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software problems, as well as look at how these variables affect the completed print.

8. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

Robotics and automation attracts a specific type of student. Oftentimes, these are students who are interested in IT, networking and programming, and fascinated with different types of software. They may be taking coding courses in their high school and are likely very analytical with strong problem-solving skills. The difference with these students is that while they enjoy some computer work, they also want something that’s hands-on, which is why this program is a great choice for them.

9. What makes students excited about this program?

Students get excited about robotics and automation because they know it’s the way of the future. Depending on the area they come from, they might have a different understanding of what the industry is. For example, some cities have more warehouses that utilize robotic arms whereas others have more opportunities on the electrical side.

10. What makes this program unique?

MIAT programs are developed in direct response to feedback from industry leaders looking for qualified employees, and the school collaborates with these employers to tailor its programs to fit industry needs. This benefits students while they’re in the program and can also provide them with industry introductions once they graduate.

11. What careers are graduates prepared for?

There are many potential career paths for someone who completes the robotics and automation program. Graduates typically go on to become robotics and automation technicians, but they also can obtain titles like control systems technicians and maintenance technicians. With this industry, it’s good for graduates to keep their options open because they may find themselves in a career they didn’t know existed.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, gaining additional skills and experience may prepare them for advancement opportunities in the field.

12. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

Many parents' questions have to do with the outcomes of this training. They might have a general understanding of robotics but are likely unfamiliar with what a technician in the field does. That being said, they’re typically drawn to the robotics and automation program due to the ability to earn an associate degree, as many parents want their child to earn a degree of some kind.

MIAT Welding

1. What do welders do?

Welders work on detailed projects that result in functional pieces that we rely on every day. They use precise techniques and tools to create strong welds that hold together vehicles like ships, cars and motorcycles, as well as materials that form buildings, pipelines, military equipment, manufacturing machines and more.

2. Why do students choose the welding program?

Welding is a popular program because it’s often very familiar for prospects. Whether they’ve done some welding previously or have never picked up a torch, they likely have a basic concept of what the career entails. This program is also appealing because it can get you career-ready in just nine months.

3. How long is the program?

MIAT’s welding program is nine months in length and is offered at the Canton, MI, campus and Houston, TX, campus.

4. How is the program structured? What do students learn?

In the welding program, students learn several different welding techniques: MIG, TIG, stick and flux-cored. They get more than 1,000 hours of hands-on experience welding in the booth so they can hit the ground running when it comes time to start a career. Topics covered in the program also include:

  • Tools and professional skills
  • Metal arc welding
  • Drawings, symbols, and metal characteristics
  • Pipe welding
  • Soldering
  • Fitting & fabrication

5. What makes MIAT’s program different from UTI’s program?

MIAT’s Welding program is similar to UTI’s program. Both offer hands-on experience in the booth, have similar class schedules, and cover a variety of welding processes. The differences are in how much time is dedicated to each process.

UTI's Welding program teaches four welding processes and focuses on them evenly: GMAW, SMAW, FCAW and GTAW. This differs at MIAT and between the two MIAT campus locations.

The current focus of welding at MIAT Houston is pipe welding, making up nearly 50% of the program. This could lead to positions in industries like oil and gas, and power generation. There's also a focus on SMAW, FCAW and GTAW. At MIAT Canton, the focus is more on GTAW, which could lead to positions in the aerospace and motorsports industries. They also include SMAW, GMAW, pipe welding and FCAW to give students a well-rounded skill set.

Finally, UTI’s program uses equipment made by Lincoln Electric (the program was created in conjunction with the brand) while MIAT uses equipment from a variety of manufacturers.

6. What type of student is typically drawn to this program?

Many students choose this program after high school, where they’ve taken welding classes. Older students may have been exposed to the craft while working in an industry like construction or oil and gas. Welding is also a popular choice among those looking to train for a career post-military.

Generally, welding students are creative, detail-oriented, and love working with their hands. They’re drawn to the flexibility of a welding career and the ability to work in many different industries, whether it be manufacturing, automotive, motorsports, aerospace, agriculture or construction. They take great pride in knowing that their welds are critical to the way our world operates.

7. What makes students excited about this program?

For many students, the most exciting part of this program is being able to spend 90% of their time hands-on in the lab. Oftentimes when they’re touring the lab and they see the welding booths, they have that light bulb moment and realize this is what they really want to do.

8. What makes this program unique?

MIAT programs are developed in direct response to feedback from industry leaders looking for qualified employees, and the school collaborates with these employers to tailor its programs to fit industry needs. This benefits students while they’re in the program and can also provide them with industry introductions once they graduate.

9. What careers are graduates prepared for?

Graduates of this program typically go on to become welders, but they can do this in a wide variety of industries and settings. They may work in a manufacturing facility, repair shop, or construction sites, just to name a few. They can also get into inspecting or quality control if they wish.

It’s important to make it clear to prospects that this program prepares graduates for entry-level roles, but as with any career, gaining additional skills and experience may prepare them for advancement opportunities in the field.

10. What about certifications?

The welding program is an excellent foundation for preparing students to test for certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) and other institutions. However, the certification isn’t included in the curriculum — a very important distinction to make. Students do NOT graduate with AWS certification.

11. What questions do parents have when it comes to this program?

A common concern from parents when it comes to welding is safety. Welding has the potential to be a dangerous career, so parents want to ensure that students are learning the proper safety procedures and wearing the appropriate gear. Parents also tend to ask questions about career paths. They may be familiar with some but oftentimes aren’t aware of just how many avenues are available for skilled welders. Lastly, parents often bring up certifications, so it’s important to make it clear that the program prepares students to test for certifications, but they don’t earn them as part of the program.