Machinists Institute Career Accelerator (MICA)
Pre-Apprenticeship/Employment Preparation Program
Career training and exploration program preparing participants for successful entry into employment and Registered Apprenticeships with industry-recognized credentials and hands-on skills development.
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Accelerator Tracks
Choose your career path with our specialized training tracks designed to meet industry demands and prepare you for high-demand positions.
Manufacturing Track
Develop skills in CNC operation, precision measurement, and manufacturing processes to excel in modern production environments.
  • 145 training hours
  • Blueprint reading & GD&T
  • CNC fundamentals
Welding Track
Master essential welding techniques across multiple processes to build a foundation for a career in fabrication and construction.
  • 203 training hours
  • MIG, TIG & stick welding
  • Fabrication basics
Mechanic Track
Learn to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain industrial machinery and mechanical systems in manufacturing facilities.
  • 141 training hours
  • Hydraulics & pneumatics
  • Preventive maintenance
All Tracks Include
Essential Skills (30 Hours)
Digital Literacy
  • Navigating basic productivity tools and software
  • Demonstrate foundational computer skills
  • Effectively navigate software
Communication: Mentorship Matters
  • Building workplace communication and leadership skills
  • Conflict resolution and fostering collaboration
  • Develop interpersonal communication strategy
  • Develop Interpersonal communication skills and workplace etiquette
  • Understand collaboration and respect in diverse work environments
  • CERTIFICATION: Mentorship Matters
Financial Literacy
  • Budgeting and financial planning basics
  • Credit management and debt reduction strategies
  • Setting financial goals for career success
  • Develop budgeting and credit management skills
  • Plan long-term financial goals
Career Development
  • Setting career goals and pathways
  • Crafting professional resumes and practicing interview skills
  • Career Exploration/Job site tours
  • Health and Wellness
  • History
Manufacturing Track (145 Hours)
Industry-recognized certification pathway with comprehensive hands-on training:
Workplace Safety (10 hours)
Workplace safety regulations, LockOut/TagOut procedures, hazardous equipment security, fire safety, ergonomics, and PPE usage
Applied Shop Mathematics (15 hours)
Practical calculations including fractions, decimals, algebra, measurement conversions and technical geometry
Manufacturing Basics & Fundamentals (45 hours)
Safety practices, fasteners, CNC mill & lathe operations, robotics, additive manufacturing
Additional Components (75 hours)
Lean Principles (15h), Precision Measurements (30h), Capstone Project (15h), Industry Tours (15h)
Credentials: SME & Tooling-U Certified Curriculum, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Forklift, Starrett Snap-on® Precision Measurement
Manufacturing Fundamentals Curriculum
Our comprehensive manufacturing fundamentals program covers essential skills across four key areas:
Safety Practices
  • Demonstrate ergonomic safety practices
  • Properly use Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Perform fire safety procedures
  • Practice hand and power tool safety
  • Implement lock out tag out practices
Fasteners
  • Identify fastener tools for threaded and non-threaded fasteners
  • Demonstrate safe practices for working with hand tools
  • Identify proper posture for assembly
  • Demonstrate safe practices for working with power tools
CNC Operations
  • Identify major assemblies of a Mill
  • Demonstrate proper use of guarding on a Mill
  • Demonstrate emergency stop/cut-off for a Mill
  • Identify major assemblies of a Lathe
  • Demonstrate proper use of guarding on a Lathe
  • Demonstrate emergency stop/cut-off for a Lathe
Advanced Technologies
  • Identify major assemblies of industrial robots
  • Identify safeguarding systems for robotics
  • Identify Additive Manufacturing equipment
  • Identify supplemental tools for Additive Manufacturing
  • Identify parts made by Additive Manufacturing
Welding Track (203 Hours)
Credentials
Lincoln Electric/NC3 Welding Certified Curriculum and Credential, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Forklift
Workplace Safety (10 hours)
Safety regulations, LockOut/TagOut, hazardous equipment procedures, fire safety, ergonomics, and PPE usage
Foundational Skills (32 hours)
Welding Safety, Conventional Equipment, Weld Quality, Electrical Concepts, Blueprint Reading, Essential Skills
Welding Processes (146 hours)
FCAW (44h), GMAW (35h), SMAW (32h), GTAW (35h), Shop Equipment (15h)
The Welding Track provides comprehensive training in multiple welding processes, with each module covering machine setup, techniques, electrode and gas chemistry, quality inspection, troubleshooting, and advanced applications. Students gain hands-on experience with various welding methods and shop equipment.
Curriculum Elements and Objectives:
FCAW - Flux-Cored Arc Welding
  • Machine Process & Adjustments
  • Techniques & Manipulations
  • Electrodes & Gas Chemistry
  • Weld Inspection & Quality
  • Troubleshooting
  • Weld Positions
GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding (35 hours)
  • Machine Setup & Adjustments
  • Techniques & Manipulation
  • Electrode & Gas Chemistry
  • Quality Inspection
  • Troubleshooting
  • Advanced Applications
SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding (32 hours)
  • Machine Adjustments
  • Techniques & Manipulations
  • Electrodes & Weld Chemistry
  • Quality Inspection
  • Troubleshooting
  • Advanced Applications
GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (35 hours)
  • Machine Setup & Process
  • Techniques & Manipulation
  • Electrode & Gas Chemistry
  • Quality Inspection
  • Troubleshooting
  • Advanced Applications
Shop Equipment (15 hours)
  • Grinders
  • H/V Bandsaw
  • Iron-worker
Mechanic Track (141 Hours)
Credentials
Snap-on® Electronic and Mechanical Torque, OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Forklift, Starrett Snap-on® Precision Measurement
Workplace Safety (10 hours)
Safety regulations, LockOut/TagOut procedures, hazardous equipment security, fire safety, ergonomics, and PPE usage
ASE Safety & Tools (10 hours)
Shop safety theory, hand tools, lifting basics, precision measurement and theory with pre- and post-tests in application of safe practices and tool use
Technical Skills
Applied Shop Mathematics (15h), Precision Measurements (30h), Mechanical Torque Certification (15h), Engine Mechanical Basics (22h), Diesel Mechanical Basics (24h), Industry Tours (15h)
Mechanical Systems Curriculum
Engine Mechanical Basics (22 hours)
  • Foundational overview of mechanical systems
  • Understanding of three classes of levers; wheels and axles; fixed and movable pulleys; and differences in mechanical advantage between movable pulley systems
  • Identify inclined planes; wedges; screws; and different types of gears
  • Distinguish between other devices used in mechanical systems and describe gravity and friction effects on machines
  • Contrast equilibrium and dynamic forces; distinguish between linear and rotary motions; between linear and rotary speeds and velocity
  • Evaluate power, manual, and automatic transmissions
  • Identify common mechanical faults that occur in motor drive systems and their symptoms
  • Discuss, compare, and contrast the importance of reactive and corrective maintenance and how they differ from preventive maintenance
Diesel Mechanical Basics (24 hours)
  • Introduction to diesel systems including the diesel engine, diesel engine support systems, and the exhaust system
  • Overview of the diesel cycle, and a short history of the diesel engine and the changeable aspects of mechanical power
  • Basic power variables including speed, power, torque, horsepower, and mechanical forces
  • Understanding of rotary motion, linear motion, and different power variables related to each type of motion
  • Understanding of the functional and mathematical relationship between rotary and linear motion
Networking and Industry Tours (15 hours)
  • Industry tours to connect participants with industry professionals
  • Engaging with guest speakers to provide real-world insights
  • Gain insights through professional speaker engagements
  • Build networking skills
  • Build meaningful industry connections