AWC Manufacturing Accelerator facility set to begin construction in Dec. 2024
November 19, 2024Yuma, AZ (November 19, 2024) – Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College is nearly set to begin construction on a new Manufacturing Accelerator facility which will support growing industry demand in the greater-Yuma area. AWC received $3.6M from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) through the Future48 Workforce Accelerator program to design, construct, and equip the future manufacturing facility.
“The completion of the Manufacturing Accelerator facility represents Arizona Western College’s commitment to the economic success of our community, and we are eager to provide industrial training to our students here in Yuma,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “This endeavor would not have been possible without the support of Governor Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and our industry partnerships.”
Designed by local engineering firm Sternco Engineers, the 5,600-square-foot multi-purpose facility will be an extension of the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center. The building will equip the branch campus to offer training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation.
“This Manufacturing Accelerator facility is a vital step in preparing our students for high-demand careers while supporting the workforce needs of our region,” Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare, shared. “It’s a powerful collaboration between education and industry to drive growth and innovation in Yuma.”
“We are genuinely excited and humbled to be afforded this opportunity for our students and our community,” added Jim Larson, Director of Manufacturing and Career and Technical Education for AWC’s Entrepreneurial College. “We’re doing our best to anticipate future needs of the programs at AWC so that this is an asset to our students for many years to come.”
AWC has partnered with local industries including, but not limited to, TRAX International, the United States Army Yuma Proving Ground, the General Motor Proving Grounds, the Gowan Company, Allo Fiber, D&H Electric, Sunray Electric, and Yuma Electric.
Construction on the facility is set to begin this December by Pilkington Construction Company and is projected to be completed in December 2025.
More about the Future48 Workforce Accelerator program can be found here.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.
Contact:
James Larson
Director of Manufacturing and Career and Technical Education
Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College
jim.larson@azwestern.edu