AIM Institute announces first graduating class

ERIE, PA- The American Injection Molding Institute, a growing plastics educational and research organization, announces the graduation of the first class to complete its Plastics Technology & Engineering (PTE) program. The first class began the integrated, multi-course program at the beginning of 2015 and just concluded with their final exam in December.

According to John Beaumont, founder of the AIM Institute, “The mission of the Institute is to help advance the injection molding industry by delivering high-quality science, engineering, and technology-based educational programs developed specifically for practicing professionals. The unique multi-course PTE certificate program is a first of a kind. The program is designed to provide high level foundational knowledge to help its graduates to use critical thinking to solve problems and to be more innovative in the development and manufacture of plastic products.” A recent inductee into the Plastics Hall of Fame and former professor and program chair of the Plastics Engineering Technology program at Penn State, Beaumont used both his academic and industry background to develop the AIM Institute.

“This first class included a great mix of professionals with varied educational backgrounds and job functions,” said Beaumont. “All of them were significantly challenged and were required to put in many hours of hard work, not only in each of the four week-long classes at the AIM Institute facility, but also time in the weekly online meetings, homework assignments, and exams. It was gratifying to see the enthusiasm and work ethic of the students. The PTE certificate was well-earned and the graduates should be proud of themselves.”

New graduate Rene Menjivar, program manager from Viking Plastics, enjoyed the challenge and learning experience. “The instructors are some of the most respected men in the plastics industry. We were able to learn materials from Mike Sepe, processing from John Bozzelli, and were taught by Dave Hoffman and Mr. Beaumont as well. This has been such a great learning experience and honor to have learned under some of the most recognized names in the industry. The quality of the instructors gives the AIM Institute even more validity.”

Billy Allen, process technologist at Thogus, was impressed with how comprehensive the PTE program was, “it doesn’t matter what line of work you come from- if plastics is your industry then this program will work for you. The PTE Certificate has helped me in many ways, most importantly a job promotion.”

See what our other graduates have to say about the PTE program by watching our Q&A testimonial video. For more information about upcoming certification courses as well as other educational programs please visit the AIM website at AIM.institute.