Highest honors, the Provost Award for Excellence and the President’s Award for Excellence, went to George Smith and Joshua Nomland, respectively

Yavapai Community College announced in an April 15 press release that the top students in the Verde Valley’s and Prescott airport based Career and Technical Education Center’s workforce development programs were honored at an “Evening of Recognition” dinner and ceremony held April 12. The night’s highest honors, the Provost Award for Excellence and the President’s Award for Excellence went to George Smith and Joshua Nomland, respectively.

The Provost Award of Excellence award winner, George Smith, is a pre-engineering student, an All-Arizona and a Coca-Cola Foundation All-Academic team scholar. The Provost award nomination said described him as a “dedicated, helpful and conscientious” student who “freely and frequently” helps his classmates. “George’s innovative abilities raise him above his peers. His desire to better the world around him ensures he brings his peers with him.”

The President’s Award for Excellence winner, Joshua Nomland, was described as “top notch” in academics, leadership, and community service. “He leads through his actions but doesn’t brag. He’s not a big talker, but oozes competence when he takes something on. People around him are drawn to his personality and nature,” the nomination states.

The following are the CTEC Outstanding Students also honored at the recognition event and listed by program:

3D Printing and Manufacturing – Neil Sato

Advanced Manufacturing Technology – Aidan Trevino

Animal Care and Management – Alexis Haring

Applied Pre-Engineering Technology – Alex Gibs

Automotive Body & Paint Collision Technology – Isaiah Tapoof

Automotive Technology – Amelia Ehrlich

Aviation Technology – Scott Poer

Commercial Driver Training – Mary Nix

Computer Numerical Control – Amos Deines

Construction Building Technology – Harry Michael-Ortega

Diesel Technology – Rhys Tarver

Electric Utility Technology – Lineman – Jay Edwards

Electrical & Instrumentation Technology – Keanu Garcia

Equine Care and Management – Jennifer Lewis

Film and Media Arts – Elaine Woods

Fire Science – Rachel Haywood

Gunsmithing Technology – Michael Thompson

Production Horticulture – Phyllis Salazar

Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Abbey Reynolds

Welding Technology – Michael Phinder

You may read the entire press release at https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2024/04/ctec.html.

Yavapai Community College says it is following advice from unnamed secret advisory committee in not seriously exploring starting EV program in addition to cost, need for expensive equipment, and proprietary rules

Yavapai Community College has invested over half a million dollars, possibly more, in developing a curriculum for a highly speculative 3D home concrete printing project, purportedly to position itself at the forefront of this innovation. However, on the flip side, the institution appears to have long resisted initiating training programs for electric vehicle (EV) technicians, EV charging installers, and EV charging maintenance technicians, especially on the east side of Mingus. This reluctance is reportedly driven by an unnamed secret Career and Technical Education Committee advising Dean John Morgan against such initiatives, cost, and a need for specialized equipment.

Speculation suggests that Yavapai’s hesitation to explore EV training programs may also be influenced by its close ties and current teaching program associated with Freeport-McMoRan, a company relying heavily on well-trained diesel mechanics to operate and maintain its diesel equipment, particularly at its mining operations in Bagdad, Arizona, situated in Yavapai County. Historically, Freeport-McMoRan has provided financial support to the College’s Career and Technical Education Center at the Prescott airport.

According to a press release from Maricopa Gateway Community College, a report from the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy highlights Arizona’s emergence as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for the number of registered electric vehicles. Notable industry players such as Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle, and ElectraMeccanica have collectively invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, cementing the state’s position as a key player in the EV and battery sectors for years to come.

To hear Dean Morgan’s statement to the District Governing Board on February 20, 2024, CLICK HERE. The video discusses the challenges of maintaining and training technicians for electronic vehicles due to the proprietary rules of car manufacturers, with a $300,000 cost for a single class and the need for specialized tools and equipment. 

To hear a similar statement made to the District Governing Board by Dean Morgan on November 15, 2022, please CLICK HERE.  

PRESS RELEASE FROM GATEWAY COLLEGE:

By GateWay Community College

Jan 17, 2024

In a transformative moment for Phoenix, GateWay Community College (GWCC) is poised to lead the charge into the future with its revolutionary Electric Vehicle (EV) program. In collaboration with Legacy EV, a market leader in aftermarket EV applications, the program positions GateWay as a leader in EV education. Legacy EV’s expertise in electric vehicle technology and commitment to fostering innovation makes them an ideal collaborator for this groundbreaking venture.

“I am proud of GateWay and Legacy EV’s commitment to innovation through the Electric Vehicle program. Together, we are educating students and developing the talent that will drive the electric automobile revolution,” said Amy Diaz, Ed.D., president, GateWay Community College.

Arizona’s EV dominance

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy, Arizona has emerged as a dominant force in EV and battery manufacturing, ranking seventh in the U.S. for number of registered electric vehicles. Significant players like Tesla, Lucid Motors, Nikola, Li-Cycle and ElectraMeccanica have invested over $58 billion in private funds since 2021, solidifying the state’s status as a top player in the EV and battery industries for years to come.

Economic impact and employment opportunities

GateWay’s EV program is a forward-thinking effort crucial to meeting the rising demand for skilled EV technicians. As part of Arizona’s dynamic EV manufacturing ecosystem, the program aligns seamlessly with Phoenix’s commitment to transportation electrification and a sustainable future. Karen Apple, electric vehicles program manager with the city of Phoenix, emphasizes the significance of qualified EV technicians in achieving Phoenix’s EV goals.

“The city of Phoenix is excited about GateWay’s program and partnership with Legacy EV. Qualified EV technicians are needed to support the city’s goal of having 280,000 EVs on the roads of Phoenix by 2030,” said Apple.

Nurturing skilled professionals

GWCC and Legacy EV are at the forefront of cultivating a new generation of skilled professionals prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the EV industry. The transformative EV program empowers individuals to navigate EV systems intricately, from diagnostics to repairs, ensuring preparedness for the evolving automotive landscape.

Catalyst for change and economic growth

The economic impact of GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program aligns with the surging growth in the EV market. The program catalyzes change, symbolizing GWCC’s dedication to sustainability and offering opportunities for those aspiring to be at the forefront of the EV revolution.

“Over three years ago, we saw the growing demand for properly trained EV technicians was not being met,” said Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV. “The realization that the automotive repair market was not preparing for the EV transition led us to pioneer one of the nation’s first education programs for the next generation of auto technicians. We assembled a team of some of Arizona’s top educators who understand the importance of quality content that gives students the skills necessary to succeed in the changing auto industry. Within just a few short years, our training program has been implemented across the country, as well as Canada. Based in Tempe, Arizona, it was clear that leveraging our education program with GateWay Community College was a perfect partnership to make the Phoenix area a national hub for EV workforce development.”

Anticipated program launch: Late 2024/early 2025

As Phoenix advances its plans for transportation electrification, GateWay’s Electric Vehicle program stands as an exemplar, illustrating how education can shape a sustainable and prosperous future. The collaboration with Legacy EV underscores a commitment to excellence, ensuring that GateWay’s graduates become pioneers in the swiftly evolving landscape of EV technology. Eager anticipation surrounds the unfolding program for its positive impact on the community and the broader EV industry within the economic region.

For further information on GateWay Community College’s Electric Vehicle program launch, expected between late 2024 and early 2025, please visit gatewaycc.edu.

The Maricopa County Community College District includes 10 individually-accredited colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale and South Mountain – and the Maricopa Corporate College, serving approximately 140,000 students with bachelor’s degrees, two-year degrees, certificates, and university transfer programs.

Project was  intended to expand CTEC up to 20,000 square feet and introduce new programs

During the May 2023 Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming 2023-24 year was approved, one of the most unexpected developments was the decision to allocate $10 million over the next three years for the expansion of the existing 108,000 square foot, eight-acre Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). The expansion was intended to increase CTEC’s size by an additional 20,000 square feet. According to the College budget catalog furnished to residents at the meeting, “within the expanded space, the college will construct new programs and move a few existing programs to meet Freeport’s current and future workforce needs. Specifically, this space will be used to train technicians with the newest automation and AI technologies.”

The suddenness of this decision caught many attendees by surprise, leaving them with limited information about the specific details and rationale behind the expansion. There were no clarifications given at the meeting regarding why the specific amount of $10 million was chosen, nor was there any disclosure regarding what portion of funding that might come from state grants, federal grants, or private industry.

Requests for additional information made to the Community College’s Public Relations Department about the proposed project and where the money was coming from were ignored.

However, as suddenly as the project appeared in the 2023-24 budget, it is now disappearing. At the February 20 Board meeting, Vice President Clint Ewell announced that the project was cancelled. In a slide explaining the proposed 2024-25 budget, the line item identifying the project is now blank (covered over with yellow).

The explanation given at the Board meeting by the College was that anticipated grant funding was not forthcoming.

Please see the proposed capital budget in draft form below as shown by Vice President Ewell to the Board on February 20, 2024.

Program accredited in maintenance and light repair through 2028

The Yavapai Community College automotive program announced in a December 7 press release, authored by Tyler Rumsey, that it has received ASE Training Program reaccreditation from the ASE Education Foundation. The automotive program has been accredited in maintenance and light repair through 2028.

The College reported that to achieve the reaccreditation, its automotive program underwent a rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation. Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used. The program was reaccredited in maintenance light

John Morgan, Associate Vice President for Career and Technical Education explained the reaccreditation process. He  said: “During the past few months, we have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants. The efforts of Jerrad Smith as the lead to get this accomplished are noticeable, and I want to commend the entire Automotive Department at Yavapai College for their continued excellence.”

YC offers two degrees and four certificates in automotive and diesel technology at its CTEC facility located at the Prescott airport.

Source:  https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2023/12/auto.html.

The College has most likely agreed to train COBOD 3D home printer purchasers nationwide

Dr. Lisa Rhine, in an internal televised address to the Yavapai Community College faculty during the first week of November, announced that the College has “has now become a partner” with the COBOD Corporation. COBOD is an acronym for “Construction of Buildings on Demand.” 

The November announcement came on the heels of  September’s enthusiastic pitch to the District Governing Board about  partnering with COBOD given by the Dean of Career and Technical Education, John Mogan, and others.  It was suggested that the College might agree to a five-year training contract of some sort.   However,  at the time Morgan spoke to the Governing Board, he cautioned that “we’re not quite there yet with financials on how this whole deal will come together.”  The parties apparently reached a mutually satisfactory arrangement.  The terms of the agreement have not been made public.

COBOD  was formed in 2017. It has its International Headquarters in Copenhagen, and corporate offices in Florida, Kuwait, and Thailand. The company has targeted annual U.S. sales of 40 3D house robotic printer machines. It claims to have already printed 41 homes in the United States, 5 in Latin America, 17 in Africa, 17 in the Middle East, 22 in Europe, and 28 in Asia in 2022.

The College presenters indicated at the September Board meeting  that Yavapai Community College would train new buyers of the expensive machines nationally. Currently, according to the College, the training occurs in Copenhagen, Denmark and it takes six weeks. It was claimed that by locating training in the U.S.,  the cost will be significantly reduced.