Midwest Technical Institute - East Peoria, Illinois

06/02/2026

🔧⚡ From the desk of Midwest Technical Instittute CEO Brian Huff. 🔧⚡

In a recent Fox Business interview, Brian discussed the growing demand for skilled trades professionals, the importance of workforce education, and why more students are choosing hands-on, career-focused training. 🛠️📈

Check out Brian's thoughts on the future of skilled trades in America: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/workforce-pell-grant-future-skilled-trades-jiosc/

From the Desk of Brian Huff: Founder & CEO, Midwest Technical Institute Last week, I had the opportunity to join FOX Business’ The Bottom Line to discuss the Workforce Pell Grant initiative and the future of skilled trades in America. It was an important conversation because the future of this cou...

06/02/2026

🔧🏆 Congratulations to our HVAC/R Box Competition Winners! 🏆🔧

Our HVAC/R students at MTI's East Peoria campus recently put their sheet metal skills to the test in a hands-on competition, showcasing the precision, craftsmanship, and technical expertise they’ve been developing throughout their training. 👏⚡

🌟 Daytime Class Winners:
🥇 1st Place – TJ Ogden
🥈 2nd Place – Dalton Carr
🥉 3rd Place – Jamie Hunzicker

🌟 Evening Class Winners:
🥇 1st Place – Aaron Bickel
🥈 2nd Place – Anna Throop
🥉 3rd Place – Stuart Brown

We're proud of all the students who participated and demonstrated the dedication, hard work, and attention to detail that are essential in the HVAC industry. Keep up the great work! 💙❄️🔥

👉 To learn more about the HVAC/R Technician Program, visit: https://www.midwesttech.edu/programs/hvac-refrigeration-training/

06/01/2026

🏆✨ Student of the Month – Kaitlyn Petkus! ✨🏆

Join us in celebrating Kaitlyn Petkus, MTI’s June Student of the Month at our East Peoria campus! 🎉

Kaitlyn is an outstanding Massage Therapy student who truly represents PRIDE in action. 💙 Her positive attitude, dedication, and commitment to learning have made a lasting impact on her classmates, instructors, and staff:

💙 Positive Attitude – Kaitlyn is always positive about everything and comes to class with a smile, encouragement, and a willingness to support those around her.

💙 Respect – She consistently shows respect to her classmates, instructor, and campus staff, creating a welcoming and professional learning environment.

💙 Initiative – Kaitlyn arrives early, comes prepared to learn, and is always willing to volunteer whenever help is needed.

💙 Dedication – She shows up every day eager to learn and develop the skills needed to become a successful Massage Therapist.

💙 Excellence – With a 94% GPA, 103% attendance, and a drive to always do her best, Kaitlyn demonstrates excellence through her hard work, engaging questions, and commitment to growth. ✨

Kaitlyn, your positivity, determination, and passion for helping others are inspiring, and we know you have a bright future ahead in the Massage Therapy field! 👏💆‍♀️

05/27/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to Isabelle Sondag, a 2026 Midwest Technical Institute scholarship recipient from Midwest Central High School! 🦷🪥💙

Isabelle was awarded a $5,000 scholarship toward the Dental Assisting Program at Midwest Technical Institute. After successfully completing the program, Isabelle hopes to begin working in the dental field before continuing her education to earn her dental hygiene license through ICC. 🦷✨

💭 When asked who has been a big role model and supporter in her life, Isabelle shared that her dad has had the biggest impact on her life. Raised by a single father, Isabelle explained that he has always pushed her to become the person she is today and supported her throughout her journey. 💙👏✨

💡 During high school, Isabelle learned the importance of balance. She shared that balancing friends, school, work, and still trying to be the best version of herself has been one of the biggest lessons she has learned throughout high school. 📚🌟✨

👩‍🏫 Isabelle also spoke about the impact of Ms. Sarf, who helped her through some difficult years in high school. Isabelle shared that Ms. Sarf was always there for her, helped her get back on track, and became someone she could lean on when she needed support. ✏️👏💙

👏 Congratulations, Isabelle! We’re excited to see you continue pursuing your future in dental assisting and dental hygiene. 🦷🪥💙✨

This year, MTI awarded $305,000 in High School Scholarships! 💰🎓 More winners will be announced soon. Stay tuned! 👀✨

👉 Learn more: MidwestTech.edu/Scholarship

05/27/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to Nathaniel McKinney, a 2026 Midwest Technical Institute scholarship recipient from Leroy High School! 🔥🛠️🏈💙

Nathaniel was awarded a $3,000 scholarship toward the Welding & Pipefitting Program at Midwest Technical Institute. After successfully completing the program, Nathaniel hopes to work in the pipeline industry, a career path he has been interested in since he was young. His passion for welding and pipefitting inspired him to pursue training that will help prepare him for a successful future in the trades. 🔥🛠️✨

💭 When asked who has been a big role model and supporter in his life, Nathaniel shared that his grandpa has had a major impact on him. He explained that his grandpa’s strong work ethic helped shape him growing up by teaching him the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age. 💙👏✨

💡 During high school, Nathaniel learned not to put himself down and realized that he is capable of achieving more than he once believed. He shared that as he got older and became involved in football, his confidence grew and helped him recognize his own potential. 📚🏈🌟✨

👨‍🏫 Nathaniel also spoke about the impact of his head football coach, Coach Z, and his offensive line coach, Coach Khan. He shared that Coach Z pushed him to step into a leadership role during his junior year, helping lead the team to the Final Four in the playoffs, while Coach Khan helped shape him into the person he is today. 🏈👏💙

👏 Congratulations, Nathaniel! We’re excited to see you continue building your future in welding and pipefitting while pursuing your goals in the pipeline industry. 🔥🛠️💙✨

This year, MTI awarded $305,000 in High School Scholarships! 💰🎓 More winners will be announced soon. Stay tuned! 👀✨

👉 Learn more: MidwestTech.edu/Scholarship

&Pipefitting

05/27/2026

hands-on
🎓✨ Congratulations to Mason Empson, a 2026 Midwest Technical Institute scholarship recipient from ROWVA CUSD #208! ❄️🔥🛠️💙

Mason was awarded a $3,000 scholarship toward the HVAC Program at Midwest Technical Institute. After successfully completing the program, Mason hopes to work alongside a friend’s family business in the HVAC field and eventually help continue growing the company in the future. ❄️🔥🛠️✨

💭 When asked who has been a big role model and supporter in his life, Mason shared that his mom has made the biggest impact on him. He explained that she has always pushed him to know his limits, stay disciplined, and continue working hard even when times get tough. 💙👏✨

💡 During high school, Mason learned that he prefers hands-on work rather than sitting behind a desk with pen and paper. He shared that working with his hands is what he enjoys most and helped him realize that the trades are the right path for his future. 📚🛠️🌟✨

👨‍🏫 Mason also spoke about the impact of his shop teacher, Brad DeWolf. He shared that Mr. DeWolf has always been there for him, whether offering support during difficult times or simply listening when needed. Mason said his teacher has made a positive impact not only on him, but on many students as well. ✏️👏💙

👏 Congratulations, Mason! We’re excited to see you continue building your future in the HVAC industry. ❄️🔥🛠️💙✨

This year, MTI awarded $305,000 in High School Scholarships! 💰🎓 More winners will be announced soon. Stay tuned! 👀✨

👉 Learn more: MidwestTech.edu/Scholarship

05/27/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to James Burhans, a 2026 Midwest Technical Institute scholarship recipient from Midwest Central High School 🔥🛠️💙

James was awarded a $2,000 scholarship toward the Welding Program at Midwest Technical Institute. After successfully completing the program, James hopes to stay in the area, secure a strong welding career, and later continue his education in mechanics. 🔥🛠️✨

💭 When asked who has been a big role model and supporter in his life, James shared that his mother has been his biggest supporter. He explained that she has always encouraged him in whatever path he wanted to pursue and inspired him through her own experience in welding. 💙👏✨

💡 During high school, James learned the importance of staying true to himself and not letting others change who he is. He shared that everyone is unique and should stay confident in who they are. 📚🌟✨

👩‍🏫 James also spoke about the impact of Ms. Sarf, who taught PE, health, and careers. He shared that she consistently pushed him to do better, helped him look for jobs and colleges, and played a major role in helping him prepare for his future. ✏️👏💙

👏 Congratulations, James! We’re excited to see you continue building your future in welding and mechanics. 🔥🛠️💙✨

This year, MTI awarded $305,000 in High School Scholarships! 💰🎓 More winners will be announced soon. Stay tuned! 👀✨

👉 Learn more: MidwestTech.edu/Scholarship

05/23/2026

ICYMI: Proud moment tonight for MTI!

Brian Huff, our CEO & Founder, joined Fox Business on The Bottom Line to discuss the growing demand for skilled trades, Workforce Pell Grants, and why more Gen Z students are choosing hands-on career training pathways.

As the national workforce conversation continues to evolve alongside AI and technology, we're proud to help train the next generation of skilled professionals.

Watch the segment here!

CEO of Midwest Technical Institute Brian Huff discusses how the Trump administration's Workforce Pell Grant program is boosting trade school enrollment among Gen Z on ‘The Bottom Line.’

05/22/2026

🎉 Meet the 2026 MTI High School Scholarship Winners! 🎓✨

The Class of 2026 showed passion for the skilled trades and took the initiative to start building strong foundations for their futures. 💪🔥

This year, MTI awarded scholarships to high school seniors across Illinois and Missouri to help support their journeys toward hands-on careers. 💰🎓

📽️ Watch the montage & help us celebrate their achievements!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDvpWZ8XmgA

MTI is proud to support and empower the next generation of skilled professionals who will help keep our communities and country growing strong. 🙌✨

Unlike traditional academic scholarships, MTI’s scholarship program isn’t based on grades or test scores, it’s about passion, dedication, and the drive to learn a hands-on skill that can lead to a rewarding career. 💙

Whether you're interested in:
🔥 Welding & Pipefitting
❄️ HVAC/R
⚡ Electrical
💉 Medical Assisting
🦷 Dental Assisting
📋 Medical Coding
🚛 Truck Driving
💇 Cosmetology

…this program was created to support students just like you. 👏

The 2027 application opens this August! 👀✨

👉 Learn more at: MidwestTech.edu/Scholarship

*Not all programs available at all campus locations

Congratulations MTI Scholarship Class of 2026! 🎊 These seniors show...

05/22/2026

❤️🤍💙 In observance of Memorial Day, all Midwest Technical Institute campuses will be closed on Monday, May 25th. 💙🤍❤️

We honor, remember, and thank the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. 🪖⭐

Wishing everyone a safe, meaningful, and reflective Memorial Day. ✨