YC to Launch New Job Training Program

The Yavapai College Career and Technical Education Center will launch a new program this fall to train computer numerical control machinists, a vocation in high demand among local manufacturers. The program will be funded in part by a $30,000 grant awarded this month to the Yavapai College Foundation from the Arizona Community Foundation.

Yavapai County is home to more than 200 small manufacturers, many of whom rely on CNC machinists to shape metal and other materials into precise dimensions. A recent study indicated that 95 percent of county manufacturers currently have multiple job openings, and many manufacturers expressed the need to train new and existing CNC machinists.

With ACF’s funding, YC is developing a 3-course CNC machinist certificate program. Students could complete the intensive program in a year, with individual courses being offered as continuing education credit for workers already employed in the manufacturing sector.

“This funding will allow YC to provide training in a regional, high demand industry through activities including development of training curricula, training of qualified faculty, career awareness and publicity, providing state-of-the-art training equipment and training and certifying up to 36 machinists per year,” said YC Grants Officer Karlyn Haas.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, manufacturing employees earn higher wages and receive more generous benefits than many other working Americans. As the population ages, Yavapai County is expected to see a 75 percent turnover among county machinists within the next 10 years, which will only exacerbate the need for trained employees.

“Yavapai College plays a major role in workforce and economic development by responding quickly to the training needs of industry in the area,” said John Morgan, dean of CTEC. “Creating and implementing these types of programs gives educational opportunities to local residents, and produces a trained workforce that will live and work in the county--not only meeting the workforce needs of businesses in our area, but contributing to the county’s and Arizona’s economy.”

The Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization with four regional offices serving 13 affiliates. Established in 1978, ACF ranks among the top 30 community foundations in the nation with more than $550 million in endowment and trust assets. Last year, ACF granted more than $70 million to other nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. While most funds support charitable activities in Arizona, grants may be made nationally as well. Visit www.azfoundation.org to learn more.