Develop High-Tech, Hands-On Skills

Mid’s Advanced Integrated Manufacturing (AIM) program can help you launch or advance your career. Complete classroom hours for an apprenticeship, earn an industry-recognized certification, or pursue a degree or training credential on the schedule you choose.

Job Outlook
  • $46k
    Median pay for machinists and tool and die makers
  • $58k
    Median pay for electro-mechanical technicians
  • $105k
    Median pay for industrial production managers

Flexible, Fast-Track Options

Mid’s AIM program is perfect for working adults, new high school grads, or anyone looking to build a manufacturing career.

Open labs available days and evenings, 8-week courses, and in-demand certifications let you chart your own path. Laddered options build on one another, allowing you to work at your own pace and earn proof of your skills as you work toward an associate degree, training credential, or certificate.

Choose from specializations in automation and robotics, plastics technology, machine tool, welding, or manufacturing management.

Mid’s AIM program emphasizes in-demand skills like welding and CNC programming alongside topics like communication and project management. Our flexible pathways let you choose what’s right for you:

  • Currently working in manufacturing (or a military veteran)? Your experience can earn you college credit. No formal portfolio or interview required—just share your story and see what credits you’ve already earned.
  • Just graduated from high school and not sure what career is the best fit? Explore manufacturing fields during your first year at Mid. Then choose the specialty that matches your interests.

AIM classes are small, offering one-on-one attention. Our connections with area employers lead to internships or apprenticeships that can earn you journeyman status. And our open labs and online courses help you pursue your education while you’re working.

Planning to earn a bachelor’s degree? Starting at Mid and transferring your credits to a four-year school will save you $15,500 on average. We have plastics engineering transfer agreements with Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, and Saginaw Valley State University.

Chart the path that’s right for you. AIM students can complete associate degrees, training credentials, or certificates in different specialties.

  • Automation & Robotics (Associate in Applied Science; Training Credential): Program, troubleshoot, and maintain specialized machines used in automotive, medical, food processing, plastics, and other manufacturing fields. Automating processes with robotics is making production safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
  • Machine Tool (Associate in Applied Science; Training Credential): Machinists use tools like lathes, grinders, and CNC machines to produce precision metal parts. Tool and die makers construct metal forms (dies) to cut and shape metals and other raw materials. Learn and apply these skills to make fasteners, hydraulic parts, automotive pistons, and countless other items.
  • Plastics (Associate in Applied Science): Operate thermoforming equipment to heat sheets of plastic and shape them into usable products for commercial clients and retail customers. Michigan is home to plastics manufacturers that directly employ more than 57,000 people, many in nearby Beaverton.
  • Welding (Associate in Applied Science): Join pieces of metal using heat and discover jobs in fields ranging from manufacturing to car racing. Welding work and equipment varies by industry—this pathway offers a foundation in the profession, including required certifications.
  • Manufacturing Management (Associate in Applied Science): Build on your skills and experience to advance your career. Become a leader ready to foster teamwork, ensure a safe work environment, and effectively leverage resources to deliver results.
  • Pre-Apprentice (Certificate): Complete the classroom hours you need to start an apprenticeship. Learn shop terminology, industrial communication, technical math, and basic safety in just one semester.

More than 600,000 Michiganders work in manufacturing. Mid’s AIM program prepares you to join their ranks and find a fulfilling career.

Some facts from the National Association of Manufacturers:

  • Manufacturers contributed $2.9 trillion (annualized) to the U.S. economy in the third quarter of 2022, an all-time high.
  • Every $1 spent on manufacturing yields a $2.60 total impact on the overall economy.
  • U.S.-manufactured goods exports totaled about $1.4 trillion in 2021.
  • The manufacturing sector employed nearly 13 million workers in March 2023.
  • There were 694,000 manufacturing job openings in February 2023.
  • By 2030, the United States likely will need to fill 4 million manufacturing jobs.
  • Manufacturing employees earned an average $95,990 in pay and benefits during 2021.
  • 91% of manufacturing employees were eligible for health care benefits in 2022.
  • Manufacturers perform more than 55% of all private-sector research and development.

AIM careers range from hands-on manufacturing roles to engineering positions that develop materials and product designs to support jobs in sales and more. Specific careers may require an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree:

Associate Degree Careers

  • Civil engineering technicians: Median pay $25.68/hour or $53,410/year; estimated 5% growth in demand by 2031
  • Electro-mechanical technicians: Median pay $28.05/hour or $58,350/year; estimated 1% growth in demand by 2031
  • Industrial engineering technicians: Median pay $27.19/hour or $56,550/year; estimated 1% decline in demand by 2031
  • Industrial machinery mechanics: Median pay $25.41/hour or $52,860/year; estimated 5% growth in demand by 2031
  • Machinists and tool and die makers: Median pay $21.99/hour or $45,750/year; estimated 1% growth in demand by 2031
  • Manufacturing sales representatives: Median pay $30.29/hour or $63,000/year; estimated 2% growth in demand by 2031
  • Mechanical engineering technicians: Median pay $27.40/hour or $56,980/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031
  • Plastics machine workers: Median pay $17.78/hour or $36,990/year; estimated 8% decline in demand by 2031
  • Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers: Median pay $20.43/hour or $42,490/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031

Bachelor’s Degree Careers

  • Industrial production managers: Median pay $50.71/hour or $105,480/year; estimated 1% growth in demand by 2031
  • Industrial engineers: Median pay $42.32/hour or $88,020/year; estimated 8% growth in demand by 2031
  • Industrial designers: Median pay $33.12/hour or $68,890/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031
  • Engineering managers: Median pay $69.63/hour or $144,830/year; estimated 3% growth in demand by 2031

Flexibility Balance school and work at the pace you choose.

Value Starting at Mid can save you over $16,000 off the cost of a bachelor’s degree.

“My choice to come to Mid was an easy one. With affordable tuition and excellent curriculum, plus the ability to work and go to school in my hometown, the opportunity was a perfect fit.”

Jonah Cesal, AIM associate degree graduate

In-Demand Certifications

Certifications from respected companies and organizations—Snap-on, Starrett, FANUC, American Welding Society, and more—boost your career potential by showing employers the skills you’ve mastered. Earn these certifications alongside your Mid degree or credential.

Mid is affiliated with NC3, the National Coalition of Certification Centers, a national network that develops certifications based on national skills standards. Certifications demonstrate hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools.

Show you know how to perform precision measurements, the cornerstone of quality in products and services people rely on. Snap-on, Starrett, and NC3 combined their industrial expertise to certify hands-on training on instruments vital to engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, power generation, natural resources and more.

Earning this certification demonstrates proficiency with instruments and methods including:

  • Tape and rule measurement
  • Slide caliper measurement
  • Gauge measurement
  • Angle measurement
  • Micrometer measurement
  • Dial gauge measurement

Demonstrate experience with Snap-on’s advanced electrical monitoring equipment. This certification will offer you an edge in fields like automotive repair, transportation, wind power, manufacturing, HVAC, and robotics.

You’ll learn to solve problems using digital multimeters, from basic applications to advanced troubleshooting. You’ll build some of the most requested skills in the industry, including:

  • Multimeter controls and operation
  • Meter display readings and symbols
  • Proper terminal connections
  • Basic applications
  • Troubleshooting techniques
  • Hands-on operation for a range of Snap-on multimeter models

Get hands-on training with industrial control equipment—learn to use a PLC, specifics of the PLC programming environment, and programming languages. Certification covers:

  • Control relays
  • Basic design and operation
  • PLC sections
  • Input types
  • Memory types
  • Logic processing
  • Output types
  • Number systems
  • Boolean functions
  • Basic troubleshooting

Understand electricity and how to use it safely. Build, test, and troubleshoot AC/DC circuits and examine operating voltages and currents that impact circuit operation. You’ll learn about:

  • AC/DC electrical currents
  • Ohm’s Law
  • Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws
  • Measuring instruments
  • Solving series and parallel circuits
  • Electromagnetism
  • Electrical distribution
  • Troubleshooting electrical circuits
  • Common electrical components

Learn about construction, operation, and maintenance of hydraulic components, including fundamental principles and valves controlling pressure, flow, rate, sequence, and direction. Practical exercises cover topics like:

  • Reading and interpreting basic hydraulic circuit diagrams
  • Understanding basic physical principles of hydraulics
  • Measuring volumetric flow and pressure
  • Understanding structure and operation of basic components
  • Understanding technology and characteristics of valves and drive elements
  • Setting up systems in accordance with circuit diagrams
  • Understanding basic fundamentals of proportional hydraulics

Show you’re ready to enter the workforce safely. Build a foundation in OSHA General Industry Standards, general industry principles, and areas of industry that present the most hazards.

Learn to handle programming responsibilities for FANUC robots.

Develop skills focused on FANUC robot vision and censors.

Build entry-level experience with tool identification and standard safety procedures.

Mid incorporates AWS SENSE—a set of minimum standards and guidelines for welding education programs—into its welding curriculum, ensuring you’ll receive a consistent, comprehensive education. Completing SENSE Level I certification recognizes you as a skilled entry-level welder.

MiWorks Tuition-Free Apprenticeship Prep

Get ready to become an apprentice in just one semester, your tuition covered by Michigan Works. You’ll take four courses on terminology, communication, math, and safety—credits you can later apply to an AIM training credential or associate degree.

Just 14 spots are available each semester. Learn more and apply now. 

More Skilled-Trades Opportunities

Mid offers skilled-trades education for virtually every goal or schedule. Complete a career-oriented credential or degree. Earn a Commercial Drivers License. Or pursue short-term training in drone operation, precision measurement, electrical, or welding.

Related Programs & Pathways

CONTACT
Dean of Career & Workforce Education
CONTACT
Lead AIM Instructor

Jess King

Phone
(989) 386-6622 x620

jking4@midmich.edu