In 2001, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) acronym was started by scientific administrators at the National Science Foundation (NSF). STEM is important because it encompasses every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us.
At the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) of Yavapai College, STEM programs are alive and well. Since the dedication of CTEC in 2007, this state-of-the-art, 110,000-square-foot facility has seen growth of students in their programs for more than 11 years. CTEC provides students with hands-on training that gives them the skills for better employment opportunities. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are also at Yavapai College’s Chino Valley campus, the Verde Valley campus and the Sedona campus.
Here is what the CTEC campus houses:
Advanced Manufacturing (AAS Degree and Certificate) is designed to teach students marketable skills in high tech automated manufacturing processes that incorporate innovative technologies to improve production of products from design to manufacturing stages.
Aerospace Science (AAS Degree) prepares students for careers in aviation as pilots, air traffic controllers, instructors and unmanned aircraft operators.
Applied Pre-engineering (AAS Degree) is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of engineering concepts and to allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
Automotive Technology (AAS Degree and Certificate) programs prepare students with the technical skills to obtain direct employment or to upgrade the skills of individuals already in the industry. They prepare students for the National Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations.
Automotive Body Paint & Collision Technology (Certificate) prepares students for entry-level employment in the auto body and collision industry. The program addresses all areas of basic body repair and refinishing; frame and body repair, painting, graphic design and upholstery.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining (Certificate) is planned to prepare students for entry-level CNC machining and programming positions. The program focuses on safe practices, problem solving, computer-aided design, fabrication, assembly and control systems.
Diesel Technology (AAS Degree and Certificate) prepares individuals to diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines.
Electrical and Instrumentation Technology (AAS Degree and Certificate) is designed to prepare students for positions in the installation, repair and maintenance of commercial electrical and electronic equipment. There are six stackable certificates under this degree.
Fire Science (AAS Degree and Certificate) provides individuals the education and skills necessary to initiate success in the firefighter profession, or continue personal growth within the profession.
Gunsmithing (AAS Degree and Certificate) is listed as one of the best programs in the nation. The focus is to provide knowledge to acquire employment in the areas of custom gun trade as a custom gunsmith.
Welding (Certificate) prepares students for employment in welding positions requiring competency in the field of Gas Metal Arc, Gas Tungsten Arc, Pipe Welding and Structural Welding. Courses prepare students for the American Welding Society Citification test.
Here is what is offered at the Chino Valley campus:
Agriculture Technology (AAS degree and Certificate) programs are highly specialized for those seeking technical employment in the agriculture industry. Students have access to a large greenhouse, fish hatchery, equestrian arena, computer lab and science lab.
Canine Care and Handling (Certificate) prepares students for entrepreneurship, employment or advancement in a variety of canine fields by developing handling skills, communication skills, health care and business operations knowledge.
Commercial Driver Training (Certificate) prepares students to take the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) commercial drivers’ license permit exam, and to complete 30 hours of driver training needed to pass the ADOT CDL Class A, B, or C commercial license road test.
Construction Technology (YC Courses) is designed to provide students with hands-on training in basic carpentry as it applies to residential construction. Core skills are framing, foundations, basic concrete, roofing, safety, window and door framing, blueprint reading and finishing.
Electrical Lineworker Technology (AAS degree and Certificate) is designed to prepare individuals for positions in the installations, repair and maintenance of commercial electrical and electronic equipment.
Equine Care and Management (Certificate) prepares students for entrepreneurship, employment or advancement in a variety of equine fields including business/barn management, training, husbandry, grooming, sales and nutrition.
The following is offered at the Sedona campus:
Culinary Arts Fundamentals (Certificate) equips students with basic skills in culinary arts, such as concepts and terminology, kitchen safety and sanitation, equipment usage, nutritional guidelines, food costing and theory and practice in the production of culinary products.
Hospitality (Certificate) is designed to prepare graduates for management careers in restaurants or hotels. The program is well-rounded with a mix of business and life skills in demand in the field of hospitality.
The Verde Valley Campus offers these programs:
Film and Media Arts (Certificate) consist of three areas, screenwriting, production and animation. Screenwriting is designed to focus on storytelling across the media. Production provides hands-on training using standard industry equipment. Animation creates unique animation works for various media.
Viticulture and Enology (AAS Degree and Certificate) prepares students for variety of careers from vineyards to wineries. Learning takes place in a student-run 13-acre vineyard and the Southwest Wine Center tasting room. QCBN
By Jim Voska
For additional information on Yavapai College’s STEM programs, contact YC’s Career Coaches Linda Brannock at linda.brannock@yc.edu or Jim Voska at james.voska@yc.edu.
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