West-MEC’s mission to empower all students to participate fully in the economy by providing and enhancing CTE is very important because we truly are training the next generation of workers, innovators and leaders in the West Valley.”

Aaron Parsons | West-MEC Southwest Campus administrator

The Western Maricopa Education Center, a career and technical education public school district in Surprise and across the West Valley, has kicked off its 2024-25 school year.

Most programs began Aug. 1 after a two-month summer break, with the remainder of courses starting later this month.

All programs available are taught with a focus on industry best practices and prepare students for certification and industry credential exams. In the 2023-24 school year, West-MEC students earned 7,061 credentials.

This year, the Automation and Robotics Systems program is a new addition to the West-MEC Southwest campus in Buckeye.

The program focuses on integrating artificial intelligence in the control of machines within manufacturing processes and provides students with the fundamental engineering principles and technical skills needed for managing industrial automation control systems and technologies.

“At the start of every school year, we are eager to welcome new and returning students; this year the Southwest campus is enthusiastic to welcome students to our Automation and Robotics Systems program,” said Aaron Parsons, West-MEC Southwest Campus administrator.

After completing the one-year program, successful candidates will be prepared for entry-level employment, further training, and/or post-secondary education in occupations such as an electro-mechanical technician, robotics technician, control panel builder, mechatronics technician and QA automation tester.

Demand for many of these career paths is set to grow during the next 10 years, in part thanks to the increasing adoption of automated testing practices across industries. Robotics engineering job opportunities, for example, are expected to go up, with an anticipated 19,920 new jobs to be filled by 2029.

West-MEC CTE programs are based on in-demand industry skills and open opportunities to various pathways, including direct employment, further education, and entrepreneurship. In addition to hands-on learning, students train in leadership and professionalism.

“West-MEC’s mission to empower all students to participate fully in the economy by providing and enhancing CTE is very important because we truly are training the next generation of workers, innovators and leaders in the West Valley,” Parsons said.

West-MEC serves more than 49 schools with more than 45,000 students through central programs within West-MEC’s four campuses and satellite programs within West-MEC’s Member School Districts. Back-to-school information, including important dates, class timings, and guidelines, can be found on west-mec.edu.

The Northwest Campus in Surprise is at 13201 W. Grand Ave.