The Present
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For example, MTI started a
Commercial Drivers License
programs for over-the-road
truck drivers in January because
it learned there was a need for
those driver. The course includes
driving the trucks on a course
MTI has in Bartonville to get the
hands-on training before driv-
ers take the vehicles out on the
highways.
“
We attract people right out of
high school to people who have
been displaced from previous
jobs to people who just want to
change careers. When I was an
instructor here in the medical
assistant program I had a student
who was 61 years old and was
just looking for something differ-
ent,” said McGehee, who before
coming to MTI worked as a
registered nurse.
The instructors at MTI all have
worked in the field in which they
are teaching. One such instruc-
tor is Josh Gilliam, who teaches
welding.
Gilliam said he came to MTI
because he needed an employ-
able skill. “I had a lot of job offers
right away, including some
where I could have traveled
anywhere. Welders are always in
demand,” he said.
He returned to teach at MTI
because he wanted to be able to
give back to the institution but
also because he wants to make
sure welding students are getting
good training in every aspect of
the job, like he did.
Jason Danley, an instructor in
HVAC, said he appreciates how
MTI strives to teach students
how to repair not only the newest
machinery used in air condition-
ers and refrigerators and such,
but also will bring in some of the
oldest equipment that is in need
of repair so they can learn how it
works, as well.
“
When they get out in the field
and get a repair call, they don’t
know until they arrive at the call
how old the equipment is going
to be. It’s important they know
how to repairs as many pieces
they can,” he said.
McGehee said MTI graduates
get the training that will take
them to jobs anywhere they want
to go. “The sky is the limit for
some of them. If they want it,
we’re here,” she said.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 40
Sara Daugherty, an instructor at MTI, discusses dental assistant
procedures with students at the school’s East Peoria campus.
