Arizona Automotive Institute

What Arizona Automotive Institute does

Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) is a private vocational trade school founded in October 1968 and located at 6829 N. 46th Avenue in Glendale, Arizona, within the Phoenix metropolitan area. The institution operates as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College (Chattanooga, TN), itself owned by Ancora Education, which was acquired by Lindenwood Education System in 2025. AAI is ACCSC-accredited and licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, and offers seven career-focused programs: Automotive Service Technician (13 months), Combination Welding (10 months), Construction & Trades Management (18-month AAS), CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer (1-2 months), Diesel/Heavy Truck Technician (13 months), Electrical Technician (10 months), and HVAC & Basic Refrigeration (10 months). The core technology is hands-on lab-based training using industry-standard tools and equipment in simulated real-world work environments, supplemented by Ford ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) partnership credentials and NCCER-aligned curriculum for construction and electrical programs. Rolling enrollment with new cohorts starting every 5 weeks, day and evening class options, and small class sizes form the operational backbone.

AAI generates revenue primarily through tuition and fees paid by individual students, funded by a mix of federal student aid (FAFSA-based grants and loans), GI Bill and military education benefits (Post 911, Montgomery, DEA/Chapter 35, Chapter 1606), institutional scholarships (e.g., a $2,500 Empowering Equality in Trade Professions Scholarship), and third-party private lending. CDL Training is the notable exception, ineligible for Title IV funding. The go-to-market motion is direct-to-consumer with multiple touchpoints (website, 866-481-0093 phone line, request info forms, campus tours, virtual Matterport tours) supported by a sales-led admissions process and inside sales representatives. The customer base spans four primary segments: career-focused students, military/veterans, working adults and career changers, and Phoenix-metro employers who hire graduates and sit on Program Advisory Committees. AAI maintains 30+ named employer partnerships including Sanderson Ford, Carvana, Auto Zone, Bridgestone/Firestone, Swift Transportation, Penske, Hilton, and City of Phoenix. Career services and an active alumni association extend support beyond graduation, and ancillary partnerships include industry associations (AWS, ASA, ATRA, ACCA, RSES), BankMobile for financial aid disbursement, and Glendale Chamber of Commerce.

Name

Arizona Automotive Institute

Legal name

Arizona Automotive Institute

Website

http://www.aai.edu/

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Arizona Automotive Institute is a private, ACCSC-accredited vocational trade school in Glendale, Arizona, offering seven hands-on diploma and degree programs (automotive, welding, HVAC, electrical, diesel, CDL, construction management) with rolling enrollment and Ford ACE and NCCER credentials.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Trade Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive (EDABALAB)

Keywords

• Vocational trade education
• Automotive service training
• Diesel technician training
• HVAC refrigeration program
• Combination welding school

Headquarters

HQ city

Glendale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Tuition for vocational programs; specific amounts vary by program. Net Price Calculator available for cost estimation.
2. Federal Student Aid: FAFSA-based federal aid including grants and loans for eligible students
3. Military Education Benefits: GI Bill and other VA education benefits for veterans and eligible beneficiaries including Post 911 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, DEA/Chapter 35, and Chapter 1606
4. Scholarships: Institutional scholarships such as the Empowering Equality in Trade Professions Scholarship ($2,500 annually for qualifying students)
5. Third-Party Lending: Student loans through third-party lenders and Unisa private financing options

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) is a private vocational trade school that delivers hands-on, lab-based diploma and certificate programs in skilled trades. It offers seven career-focused training programs — Automotive Service Technician, Combination Welding, Construction & Trades Management, CDL Training, Diesel/Heavy Truck Technician, Electrical Technician, and HVAC & Refrigeration — that range from 4 weeks to 18 months and prepare students for industry certifications such as ASE, EPA 608/609, and NCCER. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition and fees paid by individual students, with financial aid, scholarships, and GI Bill benefits also available.

Product overview

Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI) is a private vocational/trade training institute offering career-focused programs in skilled trades. The institution provides seven distinct training programs: Automotive Service Technician (13 months), Combination Welding (10 months), Construction & Trades Management (18 months, AAS degree), CDL Training Class A Tractor Trailer (1-2 months), Diesel/Heavy Truck Technician (13 months), Electrical Technician (10 months), and HVAC & Basic Refrigeration (10 months). These programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in high-demand industries through hands-on, lab-based training with industry-experienced instructors. AAI also provides comprehensive support services including financial aid assistance, career services, an alumni association, and military/veteran services. The institution operates as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College and is accredited by ACCSC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Automotive Service Technician
• Combination Welding A 10-month diploma program (56.5 credit hours) teaching multiple welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW) and preparing students for NCCER credentials and industry-recognized welding certifications.
• Construction & Trades Management
• CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer A 1-2 month certificate program (160 clocked hours) providing FMCSA-compliant Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) instruction, preparing students for the CDL Class A license and careers in commercial truck driving.
• Diesel/Heavy Truck Technician A 13-month diploma program (60 credit hours) covering diesel engine diagnostics, heavy-duty brake systems, truck electrical systems, and HVAC, with preparation for ASE and EPA 609 certifications.
• Electrical Technician A 10-month program preparing students for entry-level positions in residential and commercial electrical work, including National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, wiring systems, conduit bending, and preparation for NCCER certifications.
• HVAC & Basic Refrigeration A 10-month diploma program (50 credit hours) covering heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, with preparation for EPA 608 certification and careers in HVAC/R.

Quantifiable outcome

• Most diploma programs can be completed in under 18 months, with CDL training in as little as 4 weeks
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Miller-Motte College (Chattanooga)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAI operates as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College in Chattanooga, TN. ACCSC accreditation is maintained through this parent institution framework. Miller-Motte College is owned by Ancora Education, which was acquired by Lindenwood Education System in 2025.
• Ancora EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization of Miller-Motte College and Arizona Automotive Institute. Provides institutional oversight, resources, and support for AAI's operations. Acquired by Lindenwood Education System in 2021 (previously) and enhanced with additional resources in 2025.
• Ford Motor Company (Ford ACE Program)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFord ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) is a nationally recognized partnership between Ford Motor Company, Ford/Lincoln dealerships, and educational institutions. AAI students gain exclusive access to Ford training modules and graduate with credentials that position them ahead in Ford dealership careers.
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)coreOthersAAI is accredited by ACCSC, a recognized accrediting agency for career schools and colleges. ACCSC is located at 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201.
• National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCCER provides standardized training and credentialing for the construction industry. AAI's Construction & Trades Management program integrates NCCER's Project Management and Project Supervision curriculum, and electrical students prepare for NCCER certifications.
• Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary EducationcoreOthersAAI is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Postsecondary Education to offer postsecondary vocational programs. Located at 1740 W Adams Street, Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
• Glendale Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAAI maintains membership in the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, supporting local business community connections.
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership organization supporting HVAC program relevance and industry connections.
• American Welding Society (AWS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducational association membership supporting welding program alignment with industry standards.
• Automotive Service Association (ASA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership organization supporting automotive program industry connections.
• Automobile Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership organization supporting automotive/transmission program relevance.
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMembership organization supporting HVAC/refrigeration program industry connections.
• BankMobileminorOthersPartnered with BankMobile for delivery of financial aid refunds to students.
• Phoenix Metro Area EmployerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 30 employer partners in automotive, diesel, HVAC, and construction sectors recruit AAI graduates. Partners include Auto Zone, Sanderson Ford, Carvana, City of Phoenix, Swift Transportation, Hilton, and many others. Employers provide input on curriculum through Program Advisory Committees (PAC) and access to job postings, candidate pre-screening, and job fairs.
• Ancora TrainingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce training partner offering customized training programs for employers and government agencies, accessible to AAI employer partners.
• Ancora AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOnline courses and certifications partner providing flexible continuing education solutions for employees, accessible through AAI employer partnerships.
• NC-SARAminorOthersAAI is an NC-SARA approved institution, allowing it to offer distance education programs to students in SARA member states.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Miller-Motte College: Parent institution of AAI; multi-campus for-profit college offering trades, healthcare, and business programs. Directly comparable as AAI's branch campus parent, sharing the same accreditation framework and corporate resources.
• Midwest Technical Institute (MTI): Regional for-profit trade school with HVAC, welding, electrical, and industrial programs. Comparable in single-state regional focus, accelerated diploma format, and employer-aligned training model.
• New England Institute of Technology: Private technical college offering automotive, HVAC, electrical, and construction programs. Comparable in hands-on lab-based training, accelerated programs, and employer-aligned curriculum.
• MIAT College of Technology: For-profit technical college with HVAC/R, industrial, and energy programs. Comparable to AAI in HVAC and skilled-trades training delivery and outcome-focused short-cycle programs.
• WyoTech: For-profit trade school specializing in automotive, diesel, and collision/refinishing programs. Comparable to AAI's automotive and diesel-heavy truck technician programs and outcome-driven model.
• South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT): Sibling campus under the same Ancora/Lindenwood ownership umbrella. Offers automotive, diesel, HVAC, welding, and electrical programs comparable to AAI's portfolio under the same operating playbook.
• Universal Technical Institute (UTI): Largest US for-profit automotive/diesel/trade school with multiple campuses. Directly comparable to AAI in automotive and diesel technician training, manufacturer partnerships, and career-focused vocational model.
• Lincoln Tech: Multi-campus for-profit trade school offering automotive, HVAC, welding, electrical, and CDL programs. Closely comparable to AAI across program mix, employer-aligned training, and student demographic.

Broad incumbents

• Fortis Institute: Larger multi-campus for-profit career school network. Operates broadly across skilled trades, healthcare, and business with overlapping HVAC, electrical, and welding programs; comparable as a wider-portfolio incumbent rather than a niche specialist.

Emerging players

• Universal Technical Institute / NASCAR Technical Institute: Specialized branch of UTI focused on high-performance automotive. Comparable to AAI's automotive program as an emerging specialized player in manufacturer-aligned automotive career training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aai_institute
• Facebookfacebook.com/AAIAutomotive

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arizona Automotive Institute