AWC retooling to stay competitive
Arizona Western College is meeting the challenge of today's global marketplace by offering an expanded technology curriculum to prepare students for jobs most in demand, according to program directors.
AWC wants to get the word out that, despite the down economy, the college has the resources to provide critical training to make its students globally competitive, said Sam Colton, professor of welding.
"Our community college can provide technical education at affordable cost, especially for those laid off and who need to retool for a second career."
Tech programs have grown this spring to include day, evening and weekend classes in automotive tech, air conditioning, carpentry, drafting, electrical wiring, plumbing and welding, Colton said.
"We know residential construction is way down, but those skills are portable so you can learn it here and take it anywhere. And we're well-tooled at AWC so students learn on state-of-the-art equipment."
Colton said students who successfully complete any of the above courses can receive credentials for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the accrediting body for the industry that establishes the benchmark for quality training. NCCER is administered through the Arizona Builders Alliance, an accredited training sponsor that is run through a partnership with AWC.
"We have highly qualified faculty as well as associated certified faculty who are willing to share their expertise. Course levels are broken down into modules that allows a student to complete training in two to three semesters."
With Level I training, students are prepared to enter the job market but they are advised to continue on to Levels II, III and IV with a qualified contractor, Colton added. Students also can log on to the industry Web page, www.nccer.org, to find a job listing or post a resume.
The only security in the present economy is portable skills; otherwise, a job applicant is captive to the "no-job" location, Colton said.
"We know Yuma is the city of hope. Our economy is down but things are happening. The big solar farm will go in at Wellton next year. And GYEDC (Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp.) is continuing to market Yuma as an industrial hub."
In addition, AWC offers TEC 120, theory of weatherization tactics for new and existing buildings, and TEC 121, weatherization tactics for new and existing buildings, according to a news release from Larry Lebsock, director of Tech Prep.
These courses instruct students to increase the energy efficiency of their home and save money on energy costs. The course also explains the effect of the carbon footprint of a building on the environment and how to lessen that effect through low-cost upgrades. Improvements can include addition of energy-efficient doors and windows along with the basics of building insulation, Lebsock said.
Students completing these courses successfully can also receive NCCER certification as documentation of skills to potential employers.
Meanwhile, AWC continues to offer core skills that all industry and individuals need to maintain the quality of life the country has come to rely upon, Colton said.
"This is a message of hope that AWC has created a forum for opportunity."
