AVONDALE, Arizona – A new program is being launched at Estrella Mountain Community College’s (EMCC) SouthWest Skill Center this summer that will bring some “hard” skills to their current educational offerings, which have a long-standing reputation of excellence in their “softer” skilled areas of Allied Health, such as nursing. The new Industrial Electronics Technology program has the same goals for providing a stellar training environment for students, as well as creating a solid partnership with the community industries that have the need for these certified, skilled workers.
This cohort program is a pilot program with an initial capacity of 10-15 students, with the first cohort slated to begin July 9. Students must be at least 18 years of age and complete an admissions packet including assessment testing in the areas of English and math. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Mark Haines at the SWSC for enrollment and advising, 623-535-2764 or [email protected].
The Industrial Electronics Technician program is a full-time, five-month program offering a unique hybrid of various electro-mechanical and operational skills training, with a focus on the troubleshooting and repair of electrical/electronic equipment found in manufacturing and other industrial facilities. It offers a unique dual certification, providing a prestigious and competitive edge for program completers. In addition to the students’ SWSC Certificate of Completion, they will receive a national certification status by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Successful completers will be prepared for jobs in fields such as organizational maintenance, manufacturing, aeronautics, water treatment, and public utilities.
Skills mastered by program completers include equipment maintenance and repair, troubleshooting, critical thinking, and complex problem solving. Coursework includes an introduction to computer software applications, industrial safety, hand and power tool use, oxyfuel welding, rigging, and piping systems. Additional maintenance skills include an in-depth understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, print reading/plant drawings, material handling and technical math skills.
The SWSC’s continued focus on time and affordability for students creates a distinct approach to learning, providing high-quality, short-term tracks leading to solid careers. Looking ahead, the SWSC is looking to include a Precision Machinery program by next spring.
Estrella Mountain Community College offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to approximately 15,000 students annually. The flagship campus is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and is home to the SouthWest Skill Center. The satellite campus, EMCC’s Buckeye Educational Center, is located in downtown Buckeye. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
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