A $6.4 million training center for aerospace and defense manufacturing workers opened Tuesday on Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Williams campus in Mesa, next to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Gov. Katie Hobbs joined college and state economic development officials for the ribbon-cutting, KTAR News reported. The Arizona Commerce Authority paid for the renovation of the 14,058-square-foot building, which the agency says is designed to serve nearly 1,000 students a year.
What students will learn
The building holds classrooms, labs and hands-on work areas set up around the equipment used in aerospace manufacturing. The college plans to widen its aviation offerings into composites, structures and mechanical assembly, building on its existing composites and sheet metal courses, according to the Commerce Authority.
An advisory board of college leaders and 16 industry partners helped shape the equipment and lessons, and the college says it is working with employers on more skills classes and certificates in precision measurement and avionics. Honeywell Aerospace, Boeing and Gulfstream were among the partners the Commerce Authority thanked.
"This model highlights one of Arizona's greatest strengths," Hobbs said at the opening, pointing to the state's ties to aerospace and defense. Valerie Jones, the Maricopa Community Colleges vice chancellor for workforce and economic development, called the center the "next era of aviation."
