Installer Institute
In 1992, Bill Jones, owner of Metra Electronics, realized that some kind of organized installation training facility was needed in an industry that was growing at an alarming rate. To make sure that it didn't grow in a direction that involved poor installation skills, he started the Installer Institute, a technical training facility for mobile electronics. The school is located in Holly Hill, FL, just minutes from Daytona Beach; it runs 10 four-week courses in a year, and also offers more advanced trainings like Fishcamp and Steve Brown University.
The Installer Institute is located inside the Metra facility, just a few feet from Metra's research and development department. Because of this, the school can stay up to date with the newest vehicle information, such as proper disassembly, and bypassing factory equipment. According to Jason Anderson, lead instructor at the Institute, "It's easy to stay up to date when you have access to all of the newest vehicles, and the latest technical information."
In March of 2003 the school underwent a complete renovation, including new tools, classroom and furniture. The school is on an upward swing with attendance, and because of the rapid growth will be moving into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in the beginning of 2004.
To Enroll
High school diploma or GED required.
Tuition
·The complete package price is $4000 (plus $400 deposit) including a specialty installer's tool kit. In order to meet financial needs the school now offers financing to those potential students who qualify
·The FishCamp course is $1500 with discounts being offered to Installer Institute graduates
Curriculum
Courses are split up into five sections; each student can take any section that applies to his or her need or take the entire course:
·Introduction to Formal Installation
·Beyond Basic Installation
·Advanced Enclosures
·Security and Navigation
·Advanced Fabrication
Course Frequency/Class Hours
·10 four-week courses in a year
·Four weeks = 160 hours: Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm (with a one-hour lunch break)
Staff
Jason Anderson, Lead Installer
All are certified with install bay experience
Student Benefits
·Classes limited to 18 students
·Installer tool kit included
·96% passing rate for the MECP exam
·Advice as to how to approach the work field and go about job hunting
·Manufacturer partnership ensures current product information
Additional
Advanced training is offered in the form of Fishcamp and Steve Brown University. .FishCamp is a week-long advanced fabrication course taught by Fishman (David Rivera) himself. The Fishman shows in five days what has taken him over 15 years to master. The upcoming 2004 FishCamps will be held Feb. 9-13, May 24-28, and Sept. 6-10.
·"We know that there are many different fabricating techniques used in the industry to build some of the most awesome show cars out there and that is why we have joined with Steve Brown (fabricator) to bring you Steve Brown University. SBU is also a week-long advanced fabrication course designed to teach Steve Brown's fabricating techniques. We have not set any dates for the next SBU, but we will keep you informed."
Contact
Installer Institute
460 Walker St., Suite B2
Holly Hill, FL 32117
Phone 800-354-6782
www.installerinstitute.com