Holly Hill, FL - October 21, 2020 - Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute, the nation’s leading school for mobile electronics training programs, has been able to safely continue in-person classes at their Holly Hill, FL campus during COVID-19 thanks to their robust procedures implemented at the start of the pandemic. While many other post-secondary schools have gone remote, Installer Institue (ii) has successfully been able to keep students on campus to obtain a valuable hands-on learning experience for automotive, home theater, and marine installation training. By immediately putting safety measures in place like temperature checks twice a day, requiring masks, eye protection, and hand washing upon entering the school, plexiglass in classrooms, new foot traffic routes to avoid congregating in hallways, and a rigid code of contact for potential isolation procedures, ii has been able to stay open without an outbreak. Keeping a safe distance has also been something the school maintains as one of the additional benefits of smaller classroom sizes. The student code of contact was also updated with strict guidelines to keep both students and staff safe during COVID-19 and to continue to allow on-campus housing for students.
Installer Institute’s director, Monica Anderson, explains that the pandemic has presented a unique opportunity for the school, as many people who were laid off from their job are now using this time to obtain training and certifications to help transition to their next career path. Since ii has obtained accreditation and a Title IV status for its 26-week and 12-week mobile electronics program, students who qualify may be eligible for FAFSA / Financial Aid, including Federal Pell Grants for the 26-week program. “With opportunities for financial assistance, this is an ideal time for those who were on the fence about enrolling at Installer Institue. We still have shops calling and asking us for help finding graduates in their area who can work. They know that our graduates have invested the time in proper training, have their MESA and MECP certifications, and will be able to immediately get to work once hired. Our career placement assistance is stronger than ever and we are fortunate that we can continue to safely train students during this time,” says Anderson. “As some shops consider attempting to train new employees themselves, they quickly realize that it takes an incredible amount of resources and labor to get someone up to speed. We’ve spent years creating a robust installations program that meets all of the high standards and guidelines by the Department of Education. Our ACCET accreditation reflects the consistency and quality of our training programs, something which may take a shop years to perfect. Overall, it is more cost-effective for a student to obtain training at ii than for a shop to attempt to provide the same level of instruction at their location,” Anderson added.
Although other schools have attempted to take training remotely, Anderson feels that this type of training program requires hands-on learning. “A video call isn’t the same as getting into a car and doing an installation yourself with an instructor to show you each step. In-person training continues to be the best way to learn mobile electronics and we are working hard to ensure the school can safely stay open for classes,” she explained.
While the school offers 6,12 and 26-week programs, existing installation professionals can choose to take a one-week course in a specific area of interest to expand their skillset and allow them to provide new services in their shop. Additional topics available are subwoofer enclosure design, vehicle acoustics, practical installations, security and remote start, leather interior installations, home audio and structured wiring, home automation and control, advanced interior panel design, custom fabrication, fiberglass enclosure design and construction, fabricating with advanced composites, painting, welding and more. Seats and housing are limited and prospective students can apply online at InstallerInstitute.edu for additional details.
About Installer InstituteInstaller Institute in Holly Hill, Florida is accredited by the ACCET, Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, and has graduated thousands of installers over the past 28+ years. Both MECP and MESA certifications are available through Installer Institute’s programs. FAFSA / Financial Aid available for those that qualify. Visit InstallerInstitute.edu, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the school at 386-672-5771 for more information.
