AVONDALE, Arizona - The new Industrial Electronics Technology program at Estrella Mountain Community College’s (EMCC) SouthWest Skill Center (SWSC) has been approved to use State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) federal grant funds to assist eligible students with the cost of tuition and other fees.
Students who successfully complete the Industrial Electronics Technology (IET) program will not only receive a Certificate of Completion from the SouthWest Skill Center, they will also receive portable, industry-recognized credentials from NCCER, the National Center for Construction Education and Research, in the Industrial Maintenance Electrical and Instrumentation Technician program.
The new IET cohort program begins July 9, 2012, and offers a full-time, fast-track training schedule that will be completed in five months. Students in the IET program will gain an understanding of equipment maintenance and repair. Specific skill training will include a range of industrial maintenance areas including hydraulics, pneumatics, piping systems, material handling, hand and power tool use and industrial safety. The program will also focus on electrical and electro-mechanical equipment troubleshooting and repair.
This is EMCC’s second energy-based training program funded using the SESP grant. Earlier this year, EMCC partnered with Maricopa Workforce Connections, administrator of Arizona’s Central Region SESP grant, to offer “Get Into Energy” to provide foundational course work and certification programs in the renewable and clean energy industry. The Industrial Electronic Technology program has now been identified by the SESP as another valuable career pathway that can support those same growing energy industries, qualifying it for student funding.
“The area of maintenance and repair is expected to grow rapidly in the next several years nationally and here in Arizona,” said Patrick Burkhart who oversees Maricopa Workforce Connections. “This program will prepare students for new and emerging resulting careers in our ‘greener economy.’”
Students interested in applying for SESP tuition assistance must be at least 18 years of age and able to provide 1) an Arizona driver’s license, 2) a Social Security card, and 3) males must have proof of selective service registration. Program admission and funding are not necessarily guaranteed. Students must complete an admissions packet including assessment testing in the areas of reading and math.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Mark Haines at the SWSC by June 22 for enrollment and advising, 623-535-2764 or [email protected]. Qualified, interested students will then be invited to an Enrollment Event scheduled on Monday, June 25, 2012, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., intended to help facilitate the admission process and provide a high-level of service for incoming students.
About Arizona’s State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) – Arizona was awarded an SESP federal grant to support strategic alignment of public and private resources to meet local business’ specialized needs. Maricopa Workforce Connections, and Phoenix Workforce Connection, construct the state’s Central SESP region; making SESP training funds available to eligible employers and workers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
About Maricopa Workforce Connections -- Maricopa Workforce Connections (MWC) promotes and facilitates strategic alliances among public and private stakeholders within Maricopa County to ensure workforce excellence and contribute to the economic vitality for area employers, incumbent and future workers. MWC is a division of the Maricopa County Human Services Department. Services are made possible via funding through the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Services are provided to the community free of charge. For information on the other services provided by MWC, please visit www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com.