Machinist Training Institute

Our Machinist Training Institute is highly regarded by employers and by our graduates. Since it opened in 1981, MTI has graduated more than 2,285 individuals into careers in manufacturing and machining. Recently, the program has been updated to include a strong emphasis on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) training, enabling students to prepare for trends in manufacturing today.

The 31-week, full time program provides state licensed training in precision machining and metalworking. Teachers work with students in small groups to teach them how to operate lathes, mills, and grinders as well as CNC equipment. While learning the trade, students create their own set of tools, including hammers, clamps, V-blocks, sine bars and parallels. The completed set of tools is valued at $700 and will stay with them throughout their careers.

Upon completion, graduates can either obtain employment in the manufacturing sector, or can continue their education in the 20-week pre-engineering program that would prepare them for advanced engineering studies at the Center for Advanced Technologies.

Graduates of MTI earn average starting salaries of $11 per hour. After a few years of work experience, graduates earn upwards of $40,000 per year. Focus: HOPE offers lifetime placement assistance for graduates.

This program broke the race and gender barriers in the machinist trades in the 1980s and continues to serve a diverse population of students.

Employers who hire MTI graduates include:

• Global Manufacturing Alliance
• Paint Tech International
• Hercules Tool & Die
• Ronart Industries, Inc.

MTI Courses

The course work in the basic machining and pre-engineering program includes:

• Math and blueprint reading
• Technical drafting
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
• Manufacturing theory
• Computer literacy
• Communications
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

MTI Entry Requirements:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Personal interview
3. Demonstrate ninth grade reading and 10th grade math skills*
4. Pass a drug screening test

Contact the Admissions office at (313) 494-4300 to arrange a tour of the campus and presentation on the program.

* Prospective students who need to upgrade their math and/or reading skills can do so through our Fast Track program.

MTI Tuition

• 31-week MTI program: $9,250
• 20-week Pre-engineering program: $4,000
• Most students do not pay the full cost of tuition
• Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.

MTI History [90k PDF file] (Note - best viewed with Acrobat Reader 5, available here.)