51% of Arizona jobs require skills training beyond high school but not a four-year degree, according to National Skills Coalition. Bolstering its 50 skills training programs and certificates, Cochise College hosted a Skilled Trades Day on Thursday, March 31, at the Sierra Vista Campus for about 300 local high school students.
Local high schools, including Benson Digital Learning Center, Bisbee, Bowie, Buena, PPEP TEC Sierra Vista, San Simon and Willcox, participated in the event.
“We are connecting the degrees and certificates we offer at Cochise College with the careers,” said Karl Griffor, assistant dean of workforce development. “At the Skilled Trades Day, students explored what the college offers and met with prospective employers.”
Faculty provided sessions and presentations on automotive technology, light vehicle diesel, culinary, computer information, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), residential construction, drafting and welding. Students toured the facilities and participated in hands-on demonstrations to get the college experience and network with current students.
From advising to financial aid and college navigators, different departments were available to provide information and answer questions. Some of the industry partners at the event were Alta Survey, Apache Nitrogen, Arizona G&T Cooperative, CEMEX, KE&G Construction, Morenci Mines, Rutherford Diversified Industries, RL Workman Homes, Southwest Gas, and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative.
Griffor added, “Students are looking for something to do after high school. This event was a great opportunity for students to see what’s out there, meet with employers, find internships, and learn what they can do with their education.”
To learn more about Cochise College degrees and certificates, you can go to www.cochise.edu/academic-programs.