As part of the innovative ReadyTechGo network, Mesa Community College is committed to training students for in-demand tech jobs in Arizona
MESA, Arizona -- Aug. 1, 2024 --The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity announced today the launch of ReadyTechGo, a collection of Arizona colleges focused on training students for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Mesa Community College (MCC) is one of the four founding colleges within the network, which is part of the State of Arizona’s strategy to attract more Arizonans to the advanced manufacturing industry and fill thousands of tech jobs at large-scale employers, such as Lucid Motors, Nikola Motors and Raytheon.
MCC and ReadyTechGo’s other three colleges offer Automated Industrial Technology (AIT), a specialized program that provides students with all the essential skills needed to attain and perform a job in advanced manufacturing, a growing industry defined by its use of technology and robotics. The program frontloads its curriculum so students can be prepared for a job in as little as two weeks. They can choose to continue their education, earning specialty certifications in such high-demand fields as electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices and aerospace. The entire program can be completed in two years and culminates in an associate degree.
“As a leading global aerospace company and Arizona employer, Boeing is honored to collaborate with this network of community colleges and the State of Arizona to launch the ReadyTechGo initiative. As Arizona continues to rise as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, ReadyTechGo will be instrumental in continuing to cultivate a highly skilled workforce and supporting a consistent talent pipeline," said Boeing Government Operations Director and Chair of the Arizona Workforce Council, Mark Gaspers.
“The new advanced manufacturing is tomorrow's future with the convergence of new technologies, and smarter, more flexible and sustainable manufacturing processes,” commented Leah Palmer, Executive Director, AzAMI Workforce, Manufacturing Technologies, Maricopa Community Colleges. “This is why investing in the future of work with the Automated Industrial Technology training, and investing in "super tech" will change the landscape of our communities and could significantly transform advanced manufacturing capacity statewide.”
Upon completing the AIT program at MCC, students are qualified for a job as an equipment or automation technician and are prepared to operate, monitor and maintain a variety of automated electro-mechanical, product assembly, process control, and product distribution systems that use programmable controls and other equipment to manage systems.
ReadyTechGo aims to attract innovative companies to Arizona by cultivating a workforce that meets the highest industry standards and is poised to drive technological advancements and economic growth. Network leaders collaborate closely with Arizona tech employers to ensure the program’s curriculum adapts to evolving industry changes and needs.
Modern manufacturing companies provide more than 162,000 jobs to our state, largely within the rapidly expanding corridor spanning southeast Phoenix to Tucson. As their operations grow, so does their demand for advanced industrial technology workers.
In addition to MCC, ReadyTechGo includes Central Arizona College, Estrella Mountain Community College and Pima Community College, with plans to expand. A unique feature of the AIT program is that the curriculum is consistent across all of the colleges in the network, making it easy for students to transfer among schools without having to delay their completion date.
Learn more about ReadyTechGo, and learn more about AIT at MCC.
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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawnzimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.