Midwest Technical Institute Springfield, IL Campus History
In 1995, Midwest Technical Institute founders Brian Huff and Mike Casper were working as welders and noticed something in the workers around them: a need for better welding training. There were no local opportunities for training, so Mr. Huff and Mr. Casper decided to begin training welders themselves.
MTI was founded in 1995 in Lincoln, Illinois. Initially, the school was operating out of a smaller facility. Based on the high interest, an additional building was added to accommodate new welding equipment and increase welding stations in 1996.
In May of 1999, MTI experienced another milestone on its journey when the school received accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Less than one year after receiving this accreditation, MTI expanded again to accommodate a larger student body and demand for training.
In April of 2000, MTI relocated its main offices to a larger facility in Lincoln. Initially, MTI was started as a trade school, primarily offering welding processes associated with commercial pipe welding. This program was ultimately lengthened due to a demand for production manufacturer welders.
By July of 2000, MTI noticed a need for training in other skilled trades jobs outside of welding. It was at this time that MTI expanded its main campus once again and began offering a course in HVAC/R-MAR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Major Appliance Repair). In May of 2001, the HVAC/R-MAR facility was expanded an additional 2,000 square feet, adding another classroom, a climate control area, a service call room and a sheet metal shop.
In January of 2003, MTI began its first allied health program, the Medical Assisting Program. Allied health programs continued to grow over the following years. MTI added a Massage Therapy Program in August of 2004, a Dental Assisting Program in April of 2005 and a Medical Coding Specialist Program in March of 2006. As MTI continued to expand, the school realized it was time to make a change. To accommodate their growing student body, MTI relocated its campus to Springfield, Illinois in January of 2007, where it currently resides.
This move brought with it more changes, as new programs were added. In May of 2007, MTI began offering a Basic Nursing Assistant Program, and in August of 2007 a Pharmacy Technician Program was added.
Springfield, Illinois was the starting point for the six campuses MTI currently has. In Illinois, MTI has campus locations in Springfield, East Peoria and Moline. There is also a location in Springfield, Missouri, and two sister school Delta Technical College campuses in Horn Lake and Ridgeland, Mississippi.
MTI is a year-round vocational school providing training for careers where job growth is expected. The high standards utilized in our programs ensure that students who are serious about learning a trade in a hands-on environment and finding a career path will have a legitimate chance to reach their goal. Here at MTI, we’re building futures, one person at a time.