Since 1969, Central Arizona College (CAC) has been providing Pinal County with exceptional education and opportunities. There are five campuses throughout Pinal County; the Signal Peak Campus, Aravaipa Campus, Maricopa Campus, Superstition Mountain Campus and the San Tan Campus.
Great changes are coming to CACs Workforce and Economic Development programs. The primary focus of CACs Workforce Development is to “cultivate strong industry partnerships and build training programs to equip students with necessary skills and certifications so they may successfully enter the job market.”
Programs include Workforce Development, Continuing and Community Education, Small Business Development Center, Adult Basic Education (GED/ESL), and ARIZONA@WORK.
Students enrolled within these programs have the chance to gain hands-on experience that’ll prepare them for the future.
With upcoming renovations and new partnership programs, CAC is excited to offer more than ever before to their students.
In January of 2023 CAC had a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the new Wilson Electric Training Facility at the Superstition Mountain Campus. In partnership with Wilson Electric, the CAC began offering students a semester-long, 18 credit hour commercial electrician installer program in December 2018.
Enrollment has continued to grow. Students who complete the program will earn a Commercial Electrician Installer Certificate from CAC and certificate credentials from National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and OSHA.
The Superstition Mountain Campus is also undergoing a $42.6 million expansion that will include a new Allied Health building, Skilled Trades building and renovations to the existing C building on campus.
Within the new 19,000 square foot Allied Health building programs offered include Massage Therapy, Aesthetician, Nursing Assistance, Pharmacy, Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Radiology and Sonography.
The state-of-the-art, 18,750 square foot Skilled Trades building will provide more space for classrooms, labs and exterior yards for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ceramics and arts programming.
Renovations will also include a brand new computer lab, VR lab, an expanded E-Sports Lab, faculty and public safety offices.
Both the Allied Health building and Skilled Trades building are projected to be open and ready for students by January of 2025.
There’s so much to take advantage of at CAC even if you aren’t necessarily seeking graduation credits. Through their Continuing Education and Community Education, locals can sign up to take non-credit courses. These can be courses that focus on personal growth or a hobby of interest. Continuing education courses include CPR certification, firearms training, K-12 Professional Development and more.
To find out more about their Continuing Education Courses visit centralaz.edu/community/education-outreach/continuing-education.
Everything from dance and fitness offerings to chess workshops, a drone pilot workshop and more are open for any members of the community through the Community Education program.
Community Education Courses can be found at centralaz.edu/community-education.
For anyone thinking about starting their own business, CACs Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a cost-free and confidential option. SBDC clients will receive guidance, training and resources to businesses across the county, giving individuals a starting point in making their dreams a reality.
Additional SBDC information can be found at centralaz.edu/small-business-development-center.
Through CACs partnership with ARIZONA@WORK residents are given the resources for free GED classes. This program is perfect for anyone 16 to 24 that didn't complete high school or for any low-income graduates who aren’t enrolled in college.
More information can be found at centralaz.edu/community/education-outreach/adult-education and centralaz.edu/community/education-outreach/wioa.
There is so much to take advantage of at CAC, check out the campus near you for any new and existing programs.
For more information about Central Arizona College (CAC) visit centralaz.edu.
