Installer Institute Articles

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.

Win a one-week continuing education course valued at $1,500

Holly Hill, FL - February 7, 2020 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute, the nation’s leading school for car audio installation, announces that they will be giving away a one-week continuing education course at the 2020 KnowledgeFest event in Long Beach, CA from February 7-9. The winner can choose between Installer Institute’s Advanced Mobile Security, Intro to Window Tinting, Advanced Fabrication or Integrating with OEM Systems courses. The one-week class is taught at Installer Institute’s campus near Daytona Beach, FL and must be taken by 2/6/2021. Event attendees can enter the drawing by attending any of Metra’s six training sessions at KnowledgeFest to receive a raffle ticket. The winner will be notified by email/Facebook and does not need to be present at the drawing to claim their prize. The odds of winning depend on the total number of entrants and the approximate retail value of the prize is $1,500.

Students May Apply for U.S. Federal Financial Aid for Pell Grants and More

Holly Hill, FL - July 23, 2019 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute, the nation’s leading school for car audio installation, is excited to announce that another one of their programs is eligible for Title IV funding: the 26-Week Comprehensive Installations Program. The 12-Week Mobile Electronics Installations Program was awarded Title IV funding back in 2017, and now the school has been awarded this same designation for their 26-week/900 hour program.

The program’s eligibility allows students to submit a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Installer Institute’s federal code, 042742, to determine eligibility for U.S. federal financial aid. Student financial aid for the 26-week program may include Pell Grants, student loans and more. These loans may be applied to tuition costs for the Comprehensive Installations Program (900 hrs / 26 wks) or the Mobile Electronics Installations Program (400 hrs/ 12wks) at the Installer Institute. Currently, the 12-week program is not eligible for Pell Grants, only federal student loans.

The Installer Institute’s Mobile Electronics Program is Now Eligible for Title IV Funding

Holly Hill, FL - April 2017 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute, a school for car audio installation since 1992, is now eligible for Title IV funding for the 12-Week Mobile Electronics Program. This means students may submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Installer Institute’s federal code, 042742, to determine eligibility for U.S. federal financial aid. Student financial aid may include Stafford Loans, Pell Grants and more, which are applied to tuition costs for the 400-hour Mobile Electronics program at the Installer Institute.

“We’re thrilled to receive Title IV funding for this 12-week program, as it will allow students with financial needs to receive benefits that will help cover or reduce their tuition. This makes our training program more accessible to students of all backgrounds who are eager to train for a career in mobile electronics,” says Monica Anderson, Director of the Installer Institute. The school is already approved for VA education benefits for veterans and is accredited by ACCET.

Class Schedules Adjusted for Internships and Work

Holly Hill, FL - November 2017 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute is changing the schedule for their 2018 programs. The school has shortened class days and extended the length of its programs to allow students additional time after class for internships or part-time jobs. While the total amount of instructional hours remains the same, the 5-week courses are now 6 weeks long, and the 23-week comprehensive installations course, which equates to 900 clock hours, is now 26 weeks long. “This new format will allow students to take an internship or part-time job after attending class,” says school director, Monica Anderson.

Installer Institute’s 6-Week Basic Installations program is offered at three different times throughout the coming year; February 12 - March 23, May 14 - June 25, and August 16 - September 27. This is an introductory course focusing on basic electrical knowledge, car audio enclosure design, proper installation techniques, integration of advanced security products such as GPS Navigation and remote starters – and the more complex installation skills that are required to obtain the Audio System Installer and Security Systems Installer certifications. Students in this course are encouraged to work on their own vehicles, and are given the opportunity to work with advanced security products.

Holly Hill, FL - October 2017 – Metra Electronics’ Installer Institute – the nation’s leading school for car audio installation – will be attending the 2017 SEMA Show, stationed at Metra’s main booth #11639. The SEMA Show is the premier event for car audio electronics and automotive specialty enthusiasts. More than 2,400 exhibiting companies and manufacturers will be displaying their latest and most innovative new products at the show. Installer Institute attends every year to gain valuable insight on the latest industry trends, which is used to enhance the school’s continually evolving curriculum. The Installer Institute also talks with industry professionals at the show who are interested in furthering their careers with continuing education courses or attending one of their mobile electronics training programs.

The SEMA Show is a huge event for the 12 volt industry, not only to see new products but to also draw inspiration from top builders from around the world. Attendees can see Metra Electronics’ products installed on some of the most innovative and creative applications yet. The Installer Institute will be at booth #11639 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with other exhibitors in the category of vehicle connectivity. On display will be the newest innovations in navigation, audio, video and cellular devices. Product demonstrations will show how to make just about any vehicle make and model safer, more convenient and more stylish. Vendors will present breakthroughs in audio, video, satellite radio, GPS, cameras, security, radar detection, remote start systems and more. These new products are have become increasingly popular for car audio installations and the Installer Institute makes it a priority to integrate the latest techniques into their training programs.

Holly Hill, FL - October 13, 2017 - Metra Electronics is launching more than a hundred new products across all of their brand lines at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, from 10/31/17 to 11/3/17 inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Booth #11639 inside the North Hall will be the main booth showcasing all of Metra’s 12 volt brands. Booth #35227 inside the South Hall will showcase powersports, off-road and truck accessories from Metra. “Our investment in new technology and products reinforces the commitment that Metra has to the 12 volt industry, and the desire to keep innovating,” says Bill Jones, President of Metra Electronics. “We look forward to releasing many great new products at the 2017 SEMA Show,” he added.

The most significant expansion of product lines will be from iBeam Vehicle Safety Systems®, which will bring numerous new commercial solutions for fleet owners, in addition to a wide range of consumer safety products for accident avoidance and eliminating blind spots. Heise LED Lighting Systems® is launching additional accent lighting solutions and even more light bars, cube lights, and other heavy-duty LED lighting accessories, all of which are known for their ability to withstand even the worst torture tests. Additional new releases include products from Axxess®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, The Install Bay®, and Metra PowerSports™, a new line specifically designed for the rugged environments of today’s powersport enthusiast. New speaker adapters for several older model luxury vehicles and sports cars will also launch at SEMA. For vehicle head unit upgrades, Metra’s latest dash kits will also be featured at the main booth, with new products for even more vehicle applications. Metra’s popular new TurboTouch™ kits, featuring integrated electronics in a premium touchscreen dash kit, will also be on display for a live demo.

Axxess will host six free DSP training sessions at booth #11639 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at 10am and 3pm. Attendees will learn how to upgrade digitally amplified systems with a faster, more efficient solution, using the Axxess Digital Signal Processor (AX-DSP). The “before-the-amp” solution for digital amplifiers is just one of the many ways to use the AX-DSP, but will be the focus for the training session at SEMA 2017. Jason Anderson, VP of Research and Development, and Juan Lugo, Director of Axxess, will be hosting the training sessions. A question and answer session will conclude the training to allow attendees to ask specific installation questions regarding the AX-DSP. Register at https://www.weare12volt.com/sema to receive more information about the training session. This event will be standing room only inside the booth.

The Installer Institute®, the leading school for mobile electronics, will be at both booths to discuss new 2018 programs for installers, including continuing education courses for existing professionals. The Installer Institute is accredited by the ACCET - Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training and has graduated thousands of installers over the past 25 years. Recently, they developed a comprehensive program with 900 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction in mobile electronics. This course also included guidance for starting your own installation business. Additional curriculum updates include more training for motorcycle, marine and home theater installations, as many installers prefer to expand their skill set into these areas. Both MECP and MESA certifications are available through the Installer Institute’s programs.

The SEMA Show is a huge event for the 12 volt industry, not only to see new products but to also draw inspiration from top builders from around the world. Attendees can see Metra products installed on some of the most innovative and creative applications yet. Custom built show vehicles using a wide range of Metra products will be on display throughout the show, including a customized Polaris RZR side-by-side. Metra Electronics will be showcasing video footage of these vehicles once they are unveiled on their Facebook page during and after the event, at https://www.facebook.com/MetraElectronics.

Holly Hill, FL - September 2017 - Metra Electronics®, a leader in manufacturing aftermarket mobile electronics accessories, has announced the addition of Jason Anderson as Vice President of Research and Development. Anderson will oversee new product lines, further filling out its team of mobile electronics industry veterans in the company's corporate headquarters in Holly Hill, FL. He will focus on accelerating innovation and growth for all of Metra’s 12 Volt brands by leading new product line development.

A 1997 graduate of Metra’s Installer Institute, Anderson went on to spend 11 years at the school, becoming a Master Certified MECP instructor - and later director, holding all certifications. During his time at the Installer Institute he contributed to the growth of the school’s mobile electronics program, building it from a 4 week course to 10 weeks, along with expanding to a new, larger facility. A truly dedicated individual and a staple to the electronics field, Anderson has trained thousands of installers, including those graduates who have gone on to become Installer of the Year, and many who are now business owners or well known installers in the industry. He has traveled to India on three separate month-long excursions as an ambassador of the school, training a total of 180 installers.

Anderson also helped to create the Mobile Electronics Schools Association, or MESA. This program provides graduates with certification of their skill level via hands-on testing instead of standardized written tests. MESA certification is beneficial to installers throughout their careers, and helps employers identify candidates for employment who have proven their ability and aptitude in hands-on mobile electronics installations.

A 2005 recipient of the MECP industry leader award, Anderson has much to offer in his new role at Metra Electronics. Media accolades include the creation of 14 training videos for the Installer Institute, authoring instructional manuals, and numerous articles in PASMag - as well as other prestigious publications. Anderson has been instrumental in the training of US government agents in servicing presidential vehicles and has also trained Special Operations teams with skills they can use to combat terrorism.

Personal endeavours include owning a successful car audio installation business, located in Ormond Beach, FL - where he oversaw marine, home, and vehicle dealership services. Jason has also built custom show cars, including the “Black Death Escalade” which is featured on the Installer Institute’s website.

“We’re excited to bring someone with Jason’s experience and knowledge to join our team,” says Bill Jones, President of Metra Electronics. Anderson is looking forward to working alongside Metra’s team of professionals to extend the company’s line of innovative products in the fast-growing electronics industry.

Installer Institute, a school for Mobile Installation, announces that we have been granted accreditation through the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. This recognition confirms Installer Institute’s curriculum is in compliance with the highest standards of accreditation, and that the Institute maintains the highest standard of quality of education and integrity for students.

Installer Institute is dedicated to providing hands-on training for individuals who want to become mobile, home, or marine electronics installers, work in the mobile electronics field, or who wish to improve themselves in the aftermarket installation industry. It is our belief that an installer’s knowledge is the most valuable tool he or she can possess. Installer Institute offers continuing education classes for installation professionals and full comprehensive programs for those who are looking to turn their hobby into a career.

In 2015, we launched our new 23-week Comprehensive Installations Program. This program is meant to develop students' skills to their maximum potential, and also give them the knowledge necessary to effectively market themselves during their job hunt. Students will learn how to write an effective resume, ace job interviews, and flourish in their new position as an installation professional. All of the Basic and Advanced Installations courses are included, but the Comprehensive Program goes even further by having workshops that shows students how to run their own successful small business, and more!

Students who complete the Comprehensive Installations Program will be fully prepared to take the Mobile Electronics Certification Program (MECP) and Mobile Electronics Schools Association (MESA) examinations. The material on these exams is gone over in detail, and graduates will have confidence in their knowledge to pass the tests. These certifications are essential in the pursuit to have a successful career in the car audio industry.

More information on the 23-week Comprehensive Installations Program can be found on our Course List & Sequence page.

Installer Institute is celebrating its 24th year of paving the way for future installers. In 1992, Bill Jones, owner of Metra Electronics, realized that the car audio industry was quickly outgrowing the skilled workforce. To solve this problem, he developed the Installer Institute, an organized technical training program and facility for mobile electronics.

Since then, Installer Institute has graduated and helped thousands of installers begin their careers in the car audio industry. Installer Institute students learn from the best and most experienced Master Certified Installers in the industry. The education that students receive goes above and beyond what employers expect, and gives our students an edge in securing their dream jobs.

After 24 years, Installer Institute shows no signs of slowing down. We even just launched a new 23-week Comprehensive Installation Program, to go along with our Beginning and Advanced hands-on courses. For the years to come, Installer Institute will continue to offer the highest quality education and make sure that our graduates are the most up-to-date, skilled, and knowledgable installers in the industry!