Why Choose AAI for your Trade School Education
Why Choose AAI for your Trade School Education
For more than 45 years, AAI has helped students get the career development training to prepare for a variety of trade careers. We prepare our students for successful careers in combination welding, automotive services, diesel and heavy truck maintenance, construction and trades management, electrical, and HVAC and basic refrigeration.
Small Class Size
We want our students to be able to get the individual attention and assistance they deserve in their career training. We keep our class sizes small to ensure students get one-on-one training time with instructors.
Hands-on Learning
When working in a technical trade, classroom education alone just won’t cut it. We combine traditional education with on-the-job simulated training so you have experience working in an environment similar to those you’ll work at in the future.
Affordable Education
AAI is an affordable education option for vocational trades. Each new student is able to sit down with our financial advisors and learn about financial aid, scholarships and grants that help fund their future dreams.
*Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Support Beyond Graduation
AAI is here to get your career in the trade industry started, but our support doesn’t stop once you’ve completed your program. Our alumni and career services department help you build connections and network for new opportunities long after you’ve wrapped up your studies.
For any questions, please feel free to reach out to admissions@aai.edu
An Accredited Education
We always aim to provide the highest-quality education for trade-based careers. We maintain a number of accreditations and memberships to nationally recognized organizations.
Accreditation
Arizona Automotive Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College – Chattanooga, 5600 Brainerd Road Suite G2,Chattanooga, TN 37411 (423)510-9675. ACCSC is located at 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-247-4212, www.accsc.org.
State Approvals & Licenses
AAI maintains licensure to offer postsecondary vocational programs.
Arizona State Board For Postsecondary Education
AAI is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Postsecondary Education to offer postsecondary vocational programs.
1740 W Adams Street, Suite 3008 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone:602-542-5709
Fax: 602-542-1253
Veterans Training and Vocational Rehabilitation
AAI has selected programs approved for Veterans training under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code.
AAI is approved for training services for the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Memberships
In addition to accreditation, AAI maintains a number of memberships with local and national organizations related to our training programs.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
American Welding Society (AWS) Educational Association
Automobile Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA)
Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
Nation Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
Our History
Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) was founded in October 1968. In the fall of 1981, AAI became part of National Education Corporation, Irvine, California. In June of 1997, Harcourt General Incorporated, Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts, acquired AAI. In April of 1999, AAI became part of ATI Enterprises of Florida, Inc. In 2004, the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration program was added. In 2009, Combination Welding was added.
In August 2014, AAI and STVT – San Antonio both became branch campuses of Platt College, 3801 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145, which was acquired by STVT – AAI Education Inc. In 2021, AAI became a branch campus of Miller-Motte College Chattanooga, TN.
In 2025, Lindenwood Education System acquired Ancora Education, the parent organization of Miller-Motte College and Arizona Automotive Institute, enhancing resources, support, and opportunities for students pursuing hands-on, career-focused training.
Throughout these changes, AAI has remained on its original site and retains its original commitment to helping our students find vocational careers.
Our Mission
Diesel-heavy truck technicians typically work full-time (about 40 hours a week). Some mechanic shops operate under typical business hours, while others are open 24/7. Diesel-heavy truck technicians have the opportunity to work a variety of shifts, including overnights and evenings. Some workplaces also offer the opportunity for technicians to work part-time while completing schooling or other training.
Some diesel-heavy truck technicians are mobile and may be on call to assist people with mechanical problems or breakdowns at any hour of the day. Many technicians spend part of their day traveling to repair sites or picking up the necessary equipment. It’s common for diesel-heavy truck technicians to have the opportunity to work overtime.
Some diesel-heavy truck technicians start their own businesses and work independently, while others choose to work in an established mechanic shop. Some also work on the road.