WELTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Enrollment at the Welton Manufacturing Training Center has nearly doubled over the past year, according to Arizona Western College (AWC).
According to AWC, the campus offers the following programs:
- electricity
- Sun
- optical fiber
- Generator maintenance and repair
- hydraulic/pneumatic
- CNC machining
- PLC programming
- materials science
- construction
More than 400 students are enrolled in the center this semester.
AWC expects that number to increase as new programs and facility expansions are planned through the Yuma Future48 Workforce Accelerator project.
“What is important to me is that increasing student numbers is not the main focus of our activities, but rather that it is an effective tool to measure whether our programs are appropriate to the needs of our community. ” said Jim Larson, AWC Manufacturing Director. .
Larson said he has also noticed a significant increase in students enrolling in beginner courses.
The center will also offer new programs such as electronics technicians and flooring installation.
Larson said there are plans to make electrical courses available in Spanish.
AWC said the Yuma Future48 Workforce Accelerator was announced. Governor Katie Hobbsprovides employee training at the following centers:
- electrical technology
- advanced manufacturing
- broadband fiber optic
- Solar power installation
This is to support the region's aerospace and defense industries, AWC said. ]
The partnership includes a 5,600-square-foot expansion of the Welton facility, with the project expected to be completed later this year, AWC said.
