Manufacturing


Program Description


The Manufacturing Program located in the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center provides you with in-depth training of industrial processes to prepare you for the manufacturing industry. The A.A.S. in Manufacturing or the certificates in manufacturing will allow you to enter the workforce as a Manufacturing Technician. The program includes a specialized curriculum in manufacturing technology. Technicians set up, test, and repair manufacturing equipment using a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or computer skills. The program allows the student to achieve seven stackable certificates while progressing through the program. Any of the stackable certificates will allow the graduate to enter the workforce while at the same time completing the remainder of the certificates.

The Manufacturing Program teaches to the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM) standards.  NIMS is a collaboration of the metalworking trade associations. It was created in 1995 to ensure that America’s workforce is competitive in the global metalworking industry. NIMS is the only standard accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This certification program has been developed to focus on 9 duty areas that prepare technicians for the problems that they face today and, in the years, to come. Our interactive curriculum teaches industry knowledge, dynamic problem-solving, a variety of techniques for addressing problems, and industry-relevant procedures.

Arizona Western College teaches the following 8 duty areas which are fully stackable, enabling technicians to start working as they pursue certifications in additional duty areas.

  • Maintenance Operations
  • Basic Mechanical Systems
  • Basic Hydraulic Systems
  • Basic Pneumatic Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Electronic Control Systems
  • Process Control System
  • Maintenance Welding

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Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Advanced Manufacturing CAD-CAM - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Basic Manufacturing - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Basic Manufacturing CAD-CAM - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Basic Power Generation - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Broadband Fiber Optics Technician - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Broadband Fiber Optics Technician and Apprenticeship - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Electrical for Manufacturing - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Manufacturing - A.A.S. Occupational Degree -
Manufacturing - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Materials Processes in Manufacturing - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Welding for Manufacturing-Advanced - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Welding for Manufacturing- Basic - CERT Occupational Certificate -
Manufacturing-Automation for Metals Joining and Severing Processes - CERT Occupational Certificate -

Career Outlook


Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Manufacturing program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations and annual median wages. Some occupations may require additional education or training.

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators 
Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
$32,656
Manufacturing Production Technicians
Set up, test, and adjust manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.
$55,819
Milling and Planing Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
$48,709 
Multiple Machine Tool Operators
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
$34,148 
Programmers of Computer and Numerically Controlled Machine Tools
Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.
$56,154
Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors examine materials and products for any hazards, defects, or deviations.
$38,087
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate or tend welding, soldering or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder or heat treat metal products, components or assemblies.
$35,300
Power Generation Technician Salaries
Control the amount of power by maintaining the electricity and voltage throughout the plant.
$41,395
Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Contact Information


Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
Name Title Phone Email
Jim Larson Director of Manufacturing (928) 317-6216 James.Larson@azwestern.edu