These programs are not just about learning a trade; they are about building futures.
As industries adapt to new technologies and shifting workforce demands, building a pipeline of skilled professionals has become essential for business success and economic resilience. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of this development is Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE programs provide the specialized training necessary to build a strong workforce, ensuring that businesses in Northern Arizona have access to skilled professionals in high-demand industries.
CTE programs at CCC are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in what we refer to as H-3 industries: high-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers. These programs are not just about learning a trade; they are about building futures. Graduates of CTE programs often find themselves in careers that offer competitive wages, stability and opportunities for growth. Importantly, these careers allow our graduates to stay in Northern Arizona, contributing to the communities they call home rather than being compelled to seek opportunities elsewhere.
For employers, a robust CTE system translates into a workforce that is trained, adaptable and ready to meet industry needs. In Northern Arizona, skilled trade shortages have been an ongoing challenge. CTE graduates provide local businesses with the talent they need to remain competitive while also reducing the need for companies to recruit from outside the region.
Consider the allied health professionals – the nurses, surgical technicians, radiologic technologists and respiratory therapists – who are essential to the well-being of our communities. Many of these individuals receive their training at community colleges before stepping into critical roles in hospitals and clinics. With Northern Arizona’s aging population, the demand for healthcare workers will only continue to grow, making workforce training more crucial than ever. This growing need underscores the vital role of workforce training in ensuring that communities have access to qualified medical professionals both now and in the future.
Beyond health care, fields like construction technology, information technology and renewable energy are also expanding. As the housing market in Northern Arizona evolves, workforce shortages in skilled trades remain a concern, with community colleges helping to bridge the gap. Programs that train electricians, carpenters and HVAC specialists are not only vital for sustaining regional infrastructure but also drive innovative solutions to local challenges. For example, CCC’s initiative to build net-zero tiny homes on the Navajo Nation demonstrates how CTE can address both economic and environmental challenges while providing students with hands-on experience in sustainable construction practices.
Community colleges are more than educational institutions; they are engines of economic development and pillars of community resilience. By investing in CTE, communities are not just preparing students for jobs; they are ensuring the long-term sustainability and prosperity of their regions. Business and industry leaders have a critical role to play in this development by supporting CTE programs through mentorship, job placements and industry collaboration.
By fostering strong connections between industry, community and education, Northern Arizona can ensure long-term economic stability and provide businesses with the skilled workforce they need to thrive. FBN
By Eric A. Heiser
Eric A. Heiser, Ph.D., is president and CEO of Coconino Community College. For more information on workforce development and CTE programs, visit www.coconino.edu or call 928-527-1222.