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Ready for an Exciting 2020 – All Year Long!

Posted on January 22, 2020

By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology Houston Campus

The Roaring 2020s are here, and we are ready for another exciting year! As we begin a new decade it is important to not only reflect on our accomplishments but also set our eyes upon the horizon and what we still need to achieve. As educators, it is my belief that the choices we make on a daily basis not only impact our current students, but also future generations. Many of our students are first generation college students, and I know their success can be a source of inspiration for a sibling, a spouse or a child. For 2020, I have challenged my staff with one simple goal – that is to “Be Generational.” I want them to embrace this concept and to remain humble regarding the positive influence that they can have on our students and future generations.

Those who know me well also know that I am big on goal setting. Here are five key goals for our Houston campus that I would like to share for 2020: (more…)

Wrapping Up a Merry 2019 and Focusing on a Bright New 2020

Posted on December 20, 2019

By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology Houston Campus President

What an amazing year 2019 has proven to be for our Houston campus! As this calendar year is wrapping up and attention now turns to what will certainly be a bright New Year, I am pausing with an “attitude of gratitude” for all the blessings that our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have been honored to have received. Together, we have accomplished much in 2019. Together we will accomplish even more in 2020! Readers of this blog will be among the first to know about several major announcements that will be coming early in the New Year!

MIAT’s Houston campus expansion is one of the highlights of 2019. We set a record for graduates at the Houston campus with 163 students completing their course of study. These graduates and all of those who have graduated before them will make a positive impact on generations of family members for decades!

Our most recent graduation ceremony on Friday, December 13, was the first ever held “off campus.” Even with the significantly larger campus facility we now have, we needed additional space to accommodate a memorable ceremony for our graduates, faculty, staff, family and friends. Fortunately, we found a venue that was perfect for the occasion!

More than 300 supporters packed Harvest Time Church in Houston only a few miles away from our Houston campus, and 60 graduates crossed the stage to accept their diplomas and certificates of completion. We were also privileged to have Khambrel Marshall, KPRC TV meteorologist and host of the Houston Newsmakers public affairs show, as our commencement speaker. Khambrel is a treasure in the City of Houston. Not only does he have a distinguished career in broadcast news, but he is also an enthusiastic community leader and volunteer who contributes his time and talent to many causes. Khambrel offered words of encouragement to our graduates. He also openly shared some of the challenges and disappointments that he faced at various times in his life and how he addressed them. (more…)

Thankful. Grateful. Humbled. Honored.

Posted on November 25, 2019

By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology Houston Campus President

With Thanksgiving Day fast-approaching, now is the perfect time to express how thankful, grateful, humbled and honored I am to have the privilege of serving as president of the MIAT College of Technology Houston campus. I am honored to have been chosen to lead a career college that is responsible for serving almost 500 day and night students who upon graduation will have a positive impact on many generations of family members.

I appreciate that 50 special guests braved the cold and rainy weather – which was made even more challenging because of heavy traffic conditions — to join me and MIAT’s board of directors, faculty, staff and students recently for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of our newly expanded facilities. Fortunately, our MIAT team was well-equipped to keep our guests save and dry with the help of a greeters holding oversized golf umbrellas and a chauffeured shuttle bus that transported them from overflow parking to our front door. (more…)

6 Skills Needed to be a Successful HVACR Technician

Posted on October 23, 2019

HVAC Technician

One of the fastest growing professions is that of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technician. As more homes are built, businesses expand, and the population grows, the demand for heat and cooling is at an all-time high. With so many of these types of systems currently operational, there is a high demand for qualified individuals who can both conduct routine maintenance on these systems to ensure that they are running properly as well as troubleshoot any issues that may occur over time as older models begin to wear out. So, what are some of the skills and qualities necessary to becoming a successful HVACR technician? These skills include good customer service, problem solving skills, critical thinking capabilities, good communication, the ability to adapt, and technical documentation recognition.

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A Few Good Reasons to Step Up for Girls and Women in October

Posted on October 2, 2019

By John Willis, MIAT College of Technology Houston Campus President

October is an exciting and action-packed month for me, faculty, staff, and students at our Houston campus. We are busy moving into our expanded facility this month, and when everything is all in place, I will be sharing photos for everyone to see. So, stay tuned!

Next and for a cause much bigger than any one of us, I am participating in the Real Men Wear Pink of Houston campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as part of this campaign, I have agreed to wear pink every day. Not only will I be wearing pink daily (with much appreciated wardrobe support from my wife Traci), I will be posting and sharing photos and messages about my campaign every day. (more…)

How to Become an HVACR Technician

Posted on September 19, 2019

HVAC Technician

When businesses or homeowners need their heating system, cooling system or refrigerator fixed, they turn to an HVACR technician. HVACR technicians need to be prepared to tackle many different problems and must also to work with a variety of different people on a daily basis. As central heating and cooling systems become more popular, the demand for HVACR technicians continues to rise. So, what are some questions that must be answered and skills that someone must possess before becoming an HVACR technician?

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How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Posted on September 18, 2019

aviation-work-environment

There is a shortage of quality service technicians in a variety of sectors of industry. One of the biggest shortages is in the aviation industry where airlines and private companies are looking for qualified aircraft maintenance technicians. These technicians are in charge of general upkeep for both entire fleets of commercial airlines as well as for smaller personal aircrafts. These jobs are crucially important to the aviation industry as aircraft maintenance technicians are perhaps the single most responsible party for the safety of hundreds of thousands of passengers who choose to fly each year. They must be properly trained in a variety of skill sets to ensure they are ready to take on this responsibility. So, what steps can be taken, and skills acquired to become a top-notch aircraft maintenance technician?

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The Importance of Communication Skills for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Posted on September 5, 2019

aviation-work-environment

Airlines must work diligently to ensure that their aircraft are maintained properly so that they can operate smoothly for the hundreds of passengers that fly each day. To make sure this happens, airlines hire aircraft maintenance technicians who are in charge of maintaining aircraft, performing routine maintenance, and fixing any defective parts that may be found throughout the inspection process. As the number of planes in the sky grows, so does the demand for great aircraft maintenance technicians. Although this is a hands-on job, it also requires a great deal of communication. Without proper communication, teams of aircraft maintenance technicians can quickly fall into a state of disorder. So, what are the characteristics of a good communicator and how can a student properly develop these skills to become an effective aircraft maintenance technician?

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How to Become an Electro-Mechanical Technician

Posted on August 23, 2019

One of the most interesting jobs available is that of an electro-mechanical technician. They are tasked with overseeing some of the most high-tech equipment in the world. Electro-mechanical technicians are often seen as the first line of defense against mechanical equipment breaking down. As the industry progresses, many industries are moving in the direction of automation. This opens up a whole field for skilled -technicians to oversee the machines that are able to get more work done in a shorter period of time. The combination of knowledge in both mechanical and electrical systems is one that is highly sought after in the current work force.

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How to Become a Welder

Posted on July 17, 2019

Interested in how to become a welder? Welding is one of the most in demand professions. Not only does a welder fix older mechanical equipment to ensure that they last longer, but they are also able to fabricate new and useful items for a variety of industries. Welders are the backbone of this country. Without them, people would find themselves replacing things far more frequently. The importance and growing demand for welder positions has led many to consider it as a career. Below are some skills you will learn:

Firm Understanding of the Tools and Professional Skills Required

Metal Arc Welding Expertise

Understanding of Drawings, Symbols, and Metal Characteristics

Pipe Welding Best Practices

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