West-MEC is excited to be part of an innovative partnership that will offer West Valley students even more career opportunities. West-MEC will start offering classes in October to high school students at the Communiversity @ Surprise. High School students will be able to earn industry certification, college and high school credits and have the option to continue their education to earn advanced degrees in their field of study at a highly affordable cost.
The Communiversity @ Surprise brings programs from Rio Salado College, Phoenix College and Glendale Community College together with Ottawa University, University of the Incarnate Word, Western International University and West-MEC. The state-of-the-art campus is located at the new Surprise Civic Center Complex.
For more information visit www.riosalado.edu/communiversity.
The West-MEC Medium Heavy Diesel Technology program is a two-year program offered to high school students through a partnership with Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star of Arizona. This program offers students the opportunity to earn industry certification in diesel mechanics and is the first program of its kind to be taught at an industry dealership location.
“West-MEC is excited to advance Career and Technical Education for students though our partnership with Freightliner,” said West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan. “Our students will have the opportunity to earn career certification in an interactive, industry-standard training facility.”
The Medium Heavy Diesel Technology program will teach students maintenance and repair of diesel engines, brakes, suspensions, hydraulics, and electrical components. Upon completion of the program, students may take the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Exam.
Freightliner General Service Manager Mark Bruncie’s collaboration with West-MEC was vital in the development of the program.
“This is an innovative partnership that will benefit both West-MEC students and the diesel industry. Employers in the diesel industry require a certified and trained workforce and these students will have the essential skills needed for entry-level positions after completing this program,” say Bruncie.
West-MEC hosted an open house event to give students and their families the opportunity to learn about the program before the first day of class on August 10th. Guests toured the training facility, met instructors, West-MEC staff and business and industry partners.
Representatives from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association (AADA) and the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) attended in support of the exciting new program for West Valley high school students.
West-MEC Medium Heavy Diesel Advisory Committee members and various representatives from the diesel trucking industry including, Swift Transportation, Valley Truck & Trailer Service, Inc., and Sanderson Ford, were also in attendance.
