“We are excited to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the completion of the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health Buildings,” said Dr. Jackie Elliott, President of CAC. “CAC will continue to provide a world-class learner experience by expanding educational opportunities for the residents of Apache Junction, Pinal County, and the state of Arizona through existing and new programs that will be housed in these facilities.”
Once completed, the Allied Health building will provide integrated learning classrooms and labs for massage therapy, aesthetician, nursing assistance, pharmacy, phlebotomy, medical assistant, radiology, and sonography. Additionally, simulation centers will replicate realistic health care environments, including hospital and operating rooms, and clinical settings equipped with advanced simulation technologies such as computerized patient simulators, high-fidelity mannequins, and more. The massage therapy and aesthetician programs will offer a “Superstition Spa” experience for local residents to utilize. Students will gain critical-thinking, decision-making, and patient-care skills in a safe and controlled environment.
The Skilled Trades building will provide classrooms, labs, and exterior yards for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ceramics, and arts programming. Workshops will mirror real-world work environments that allow students to develop industry-specific skills and practical experience.
Renovation work on the existing C building was recently completed, and the building now includes a new computer lab, virtual reality (VR) lab, an expanded E-Sports Lab, as well as faculty and public safety offices. The VR lab and computer lab will now provide students access to industry-standard equipment, including software and simulation tools that foster innovation and problem-solving skills. While the cafe, student lounge, and student organization space all remained, the exterior was enhanced with a new, large exterior canopy, allowing for an expanded outdoor seating area that capitalizes on views of the surrounding Superstition Mountains.
| Your local Bobcat dealer |
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| Sierra Machinery |
| Ditch Witch West |
| Faris Machinery |
“Topping out is a significant milestone for construction projects, and this project is especially meaningful since it will serve career and technical education students interested in pursuing careers in the trades and health care sector,” said Andrea Ramos, Project Director for McCarthy. “We are one step closer to providing two new buildings where students, who represent our future workforce, will learn under the direct supervision of the college’s talented staff.”
Completion of the new Skilled Trades and Allied Health buildings is slated for late 2024 in time for the start of classes in January 2025. Upon completion of the expansion, three existing buildings will be demolished and replaced with landscaping. Major subcontractors on the project include RN Electric, S&H Steel, Stone Cold Masonry, and Pete King.
“We extend our gratitude to Central Arizona College and our dedicated McCarthy contractor team for achieving this noteworthy milestone of topping out,” said Daniel Childers, Senior Associate Architect with Architekton. “This brings us one step closer to unveiling these exceptional trades, arts, and health care facilities to the students and faculty of CAC, and the surrounding communities of Apache Junction. It has been the unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts of this incredible team that has brought us to this instrumental and memorable juncture. Thank you for your enthusiasm and expertise as we continue this journey towards opening these facilities to a brighter future.”
