PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

West-MEC’s Energy and Manufacturing Systems Program explores the fields of mechanical systems, electrical systems, electronics, instrumentation & controls, energy production systems.

Managed in close partnership with APS, Palo Verde Generating Station, and Estrella Mountain Community College, this two-year program includes core curriculum topics such as Solar, Nuclear, Wind, Construction Math, Basic Rigging, Construction Drawings, and Hand and Power Tools.

More advanced topics covered are Programmable Logic Controllers, Craft-Related Mathematics, Oxyfuel Cutting, LP Steam Systems, Piping Systems, Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Testing, E&I Test Equipment, Instrumentation, and Electrical Theory, among others.

The program’s scope also includes topics intended for students aiming for a career as an industrial maintenance mechanic and industrial maintenance E&I technician, such as process mathematics, HP steam systems, heat exchangers, conductors and cables, hand bending, and conductor terminations and splices.

Apart from the core-curriculum, learners are trained for the job-seeking process through industry guest speakers and a school-based enterprise. After all, West-MEC’s vision and mission is to “prepare students today for tomorrow’s careers” by offering enhanced Career and Technical Education that will allow them to fully contribute to the economy.

During the program, accommodations and modifications are provided to high school students based on the IEP/504, which assures students with disabilities access to special education, personalized services (based on disability), and protection from discrimination.

After completing the two-year program, successful candidates will be prepared to seek one or more certifications to include the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and OSHA-10 General. In fact, West-MEC offers industry credential tests at no additional cost. Through the Energy and Manufacturing Program, students are provided a pathway to economic independence.

CAREER PATHWAYS

After certification, students should qualify for a variety of careers as an on-the-job trainee or apprentice in fields such as electrical, electronics, instrumentation and controls, mechanical, engineering technician, power plant generation, industrial plant operations, and energy transmission and distribution.

With additional work experience and/or specialized training, a completer of the Energy and Manufacturing Systems Program can build a successful professional career as an automation engineer, DCS engineer, quality control systems manager, industrial maintenance manager, industrial production manager, industrial plant manager, research & development engineer, business manager, and outage planner.

Completers of the Energy and Manufacturing Systems Program can also pursue formalized education at the post-secondary level (e.g. bachelors, masters, doctorate degrees).