Yavapai College recognizes Manufacturing Month by showcasing its training programs offered in support of the manufacturing industry locally and statewide. Along with this, the College is offering free tours of its Career and Technical Education Center to the public, prospective students, and local businesses.
Manufacturing Month, recognized throughout October, is an opportunity to celebrate and bring continued awareness to the industry nationwide. Locally, highlighting the manufacturing industry allows us to focus on the many rewarding, high-skilled manufacturing jobs available and the support the college provides in developing the talent needed.
The Yavapai College Career and Technical Education Center, located on Ruger Road near the Prescott Airport, is home to many college career and technical programs, including all of its manufacturing programs. Yavapai College currently offers manufacturing programs in:
Approximately 250 students are trained in these programs each year at Yavapai College. Upon completion, they are ready to enter the workforce with industry-recognized certifications that are portable and can be used to address positions in high demand locally with self-sufficient wages.
In Yavapai County, there were 4,391 manufacturing jobs available in 2023, with an average wage of $68,575. The long-term forecast for manufacturing jobs in Arizona from 2021 – 2031 is 20.4% or 37,048. “The manufacturing programs at Yavapai College offer students the opportunity to gain industry-recognized skills that lead to a great wage in an in-demand industry,” said Dr. Kimberly Moore, Chief Workforce and Innovation Officer. “Our students are sought after immediately by local employers upon entering our programs, and for good reason. At YC, we are in lockstep with our business community and are committed to meeting their current and future workforce needs.”
Yavapai College's tuition is currently $132 per credit for career and technical education courses. All degrees and certificates qualify for federal financial aid, and scholarships are available through Yavapai College.
Additionally, all A.A.S. degree programs are eligible for the Yavapai College Workforce Promise, which allows students to receive their degrees tuition-free. Learn more at www.yc.edu/promise.
To register for your free tour of the Yavapai College Career and Technical Education Center, visit www.yc.edu/tours.
About the Programs
Advanced Manufacturing
The Advanced Manufacturing Degree is designed to teach students marketable skills in high-tech automated manufacturing processes that incorporate innovative technologies to improve the production of products from design to manufacturing stages. Duties may involve multiple areas such as pipe fitting, boiler making, insulating, welding, machining, carpentry, repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, CNC machining, CAD Design, installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment.
Yavapai College offers certificates in Advanced Manufacturing, Hydro Utility Tech, Machine Fabrication Tech, and Mechanic Assistant.
For more information about Advanced Manufacturing, visit www.yc.edu/amt.
Automated Industrial Technician
The Certificate in Automated Industrial Technology prepares students to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair a variety of automated electromechanical, product assembly, and product distribution systems that use programmable controls and other methodologies to accomplish system management. These systems include robotic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic devices. Provides the skills to define, install, adjust, and maintain automated systems.
For more information about Automated Industrial Technician, visit www.yc.edu/amt.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining
The CNC Machining certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level CNC machining and programming positions. The program offers skill-building courses in CNC machining and CAM programming for individuals desiring full-time employment in the CNC manufacturing industry. This certificate program focuses on safe practices, tools, and mathematics, emphasizing problem-solving, computer-aided design, 3D printing and blueprint reading, fabrication, assembly, and control systems.
For more information about CNC Machining, visit www.yc.edu/cnc.
Electrical & Instrumentation Technology
The Electrical & Instrumentation Technology AAS degree is designed to prepare students for positions in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial electrical and electronic equipment.
Yavapai College offers six stackable certificates under Electrical and Instrumentation, including the Electrical Instrumentation Technician Certificate, Electronic Technology Certificate, Electronics – Industrial Electronics Certificate, Digital Electronics Certificate, Advanced Electronics Certificate, and the Analog Electronics Certificate. The certificates train students for careers in the operations, maintenance, and repair of complex electronic equipment. All instruction emphasizes a hands-on approach utilizing sophisticated test equipment. Individuals layout, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, process control instrumentation, test equipment, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, mathematics, and electron and electrical testing. Usually, they work under the direction of engineering staff.
For more information about Electrical and Instrumentation Technology, visit www.yc.edu/electronics.
Gunsmithing
Listed as one of the BEST gunsmithing programs in the nation, the program's focus is to provide knowledge to acquire employment in the areas of the custom gun trade as a custom Gunsmith. Students will receive training in mills, lathes, CNC machining, competition firearms, and guild firearms production.
The Gunsmithing certificate prepares the student for direct employment as a gunsmith in an established shop. The Advanced Gunsmithing certificate (3rd-year) prepares students with highly specialized training in CNC machining, competition firearms, engraving, and guild firearms production.
For more information about Gunsmithing, visit www.yc.edu/gunsmithing
Welding
Four stackable certificates are available in welding, including Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Pipe Welding, and Structural Welding. Coursework may upgrade skills and assist in career advancement for currently employed welders. Students will learn how to use various types of welding and cutting equipment for repair and fabrication, which will prepare them to successfully complete the American Welding Society Certification tests recognized throughout the United States.
For more information on Welding, visit www.yc.edu/welding.
The Division of Workforce and Innovation at YC encompasses the College’s adult education, career and technical education, health science, and workforce and economic development programs. Its goal is to respond to industries’ shifting needs and demonstrate Yavapai College’s unwavering commitment to becoming a national leader in workforce and innovation. Yavapai College aims to work strategically with existing industries to provide a skilled and qualified workforce that ultimately leads to a sustainable and vibrant economy.
Students and residents of all ages are welcome to participate in classes at the Career and Technical Education Center. Whether you are looking for a new career, to reskill or upskill, or to learn a new hobby or craft, the Career and Technical Education Center at Yavapai College has something for you.
To take a tour of this state-of-the-art facility, visit www.yc.edu/tours.
To learn more about the academic programs, contact ycadmission@yc.edu.
To learn more about the Division of Workforce and Innovation & Economic Development, contact Dr. Kimberly Moore at kimberly.moore@yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
