For Release: January 15, 2014
Contacts: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, 602-618-5730, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu
MESA, Ariz. – The Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI) of Mesa Community College, received a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to provide trade-impacted workers and others with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to provide long-term support to aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries in the region. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant provided $2,507,462 (100% of the project funds) to build the college’s capacity to meet the training and educational needs of the expanding manufacturing sector in the East Valley.
“By specifically targeting advanced manufacturing, an industry vital to Maricopa County, the AzAMI programs are directly correlated to the goals and strategies outlined in the Governor’s Integrated Workforce Development Plan for 2012-16,” said Rebecca Gau, Director of Education Innovation for the Office of the Governor.
We are very pleased that MCC has received this grant award to provide training for such an important part of our economy," Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said. "Advanced manufacturing is a central part of Mesa's HEAT initiative and one of my priorities as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors."
“We know more than half of the pool of TAA-impacted workers, individuals whose jobs were moved overseas, have manufacturing experience but do not have a post-secondary degree or certificate currently required by employers. By building upon a worker’s prior experience and certifying nationally-recognized credentials, individuals will be better positioned for the current and future manufacturing industry,” said Dr. Shouan Pan, President, Mesa Community College.
Input from advisory committees, derived from partnerships with the Arizona Manufacturing Partnership, the Science Foundation of Arizona, the Arizona Commerce Authority and other industry partners, will provide current and relevant content for AZ-AMI’s classrooms and laboratories. AZ-AMI will also blend innovation and established best practices from other TAACCCT-funded programs to accelerate progress for participants while providing industry-relevant, stackable learning opportunities to meet the growing demand for qualified technicians in Maricopa County. The grant will be used to enhance current curriculum and laboratory equipment, develop a pre-employment boot camp for advanced manufacturing industries (aerospace, automotive, engineering, electronics and welding), increase awareness of the career opportunities available in these industries while developing pathways for the next generation workforce.
Knowing there is an immediate and long-term need for qualified individuals in advanced manufacturing, AZ-AMI, parallel with this grant, will establish dual credit partnerships with local high schools for welding programs, and upon MCC obtaining appropriate certifications the local Joint Technical Education Districts (JTED) high schools will be able to allow dual credit for machining. Another partner, the Arizona Precision Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AzPMAP), will handle the pre-apprenticeship qualifications and provide apprentice training.
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About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College provides outstanding transfer and career and technical programs, workforce development, and life-long learning opportunities to residents of the East Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. MCC excels in teaching, learning and empowering its more than 40,000 students who attend annually to succeed in a local and global community. Mesa Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information please visit http://www.mesacc.edu.
About Mesa Community College’s AZ-AMI
The Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute, a Mesa Community College Center of Excellence, was designed to meet the growing and changing needs of the advanced manufacturing business sector. Input from advisory committees derived from partnerships with local employers provides current and relevant content for AZ-AMI’s classrooms and laboratories. Internships and apprenticeships offer opportunities for students to earn as they learn.
About Round Three of the TAACCCT Grant Program
TAACCCT provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less, are suited for workers who are eligible for training under the TAA for Workers program, and prepare program participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations. Please visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website for additional information.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.