Construction Trades

Do you want a career where you can flex your creative problem-solving skills and use math and engineering concepts to build and fix things with your hands? Consider enrolling in the Construction Trades program to take the first step in that direction. Our program has year-round start dates to quickly prepare you for entry into the workforce. Upon completing this program, you’ll be qualified to pursue a variety of careers — as an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, carpenter, foreman, project manager, and construction site manager.

Our comprehensive program covers all the essentials to get you started on the right foot. Our skilled and experienced instructors will use a combination of theoretical and practical training to help you acquire the technical knowledge and skills in plumbing, commercial and specialty carpentry, electrical systems, hydronics, electro-mechanical devices, and residential and commercial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. You will also learn about general repair, safety protocols, and building codes, as well as proper use of the tools and equipment that electricians, plumbers, and carpenters use daily. We’ll teach you all about construction calculations, blueprint readings, trade-specific codes, and more. And you’ll learn essential construction management skills — we’ll dive deep into the study of construction planning and scheduling, design, leadership skills, problem-solving, ethics, and OSHA 30 safety.

Make it happen today. Enroll in our Construction Trades program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Associate Degrees and University Transfer
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities
Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

If you are looking for opportunities in the construction trades as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), we have multiple pathways for you to follow. In addition to our apprenticeship offerings, which are programs tailored for our skilled trades partners, we have degrees and certificates that prepare you to enter the workforce quickly, expand your knowledge, move up in your career, or transfer credits to a university for further education in the construction industry.

Click the plus sign below to learn more. 

If you are looking for opportunities in the construction trades as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), we have multiple pathways for you to follow. In addition to our apprenticeship offerings, which are programs tailored for our skilled trades partners, we have degrees and certificates that prepare you to enter the workforce quickly, expand your knowledge, move up in your career, or transfer credits to a university for further education in the construction industry.

Click the plus sign below to learn more. 

Electrical

The Electrical program is considered a non-credit program, which provide skills for quick entry into the workforce. The program offers specific year-round start dates, and you attend classes four days a week, Monday-Thursday.

Electrical Technician

If you are the type that likes to figure out how things are powered and making them run, one of our electrical programs may be right for you. Two program options that are quick entry and exit electrician training programs exist — Electrical Commercial and Residential, and Electrical Installer. All allow you a unique hands-on approach to learn the skills you need in these professions.

With an applied technology focus, you will learn electrical theory, wiring skills and safety knowledge needed to work in a residential environment or the construction industry.

Watch video to learn more about the Electrical Technician Programs at GateWay Community College.

Start Dates

Virtual Information Session

Electrical Technician 

Information Session: Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Click Here To Get Your Virtual Meeting Link

Program Contacts

Phyllis Rodriguez, Program Advisor (Schedule an advising appointment here)
Phone: (602) 286-8633
Email: phyllis.rodriguez@gatewaycc.edu 

Program Location

Central City Campus 

Program Cost Estimates*

Certificate of Competency for Electrical Commercial and Residential:  $4,645  |  630 hours/6-7 months

Certificate of Competency in Electrical:  $2,635  |  346 hours/4-5 months

*Months based on 24 hours a week/4 weeks a month for the Day program and 20 hours a week/ 4 weeks a month for the Night program. Actual completion times may vary. Costs include tuition, lab and estimated book fees. Amount based on current estimates and will vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.

HVAC (Credit)

Working in the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) Refrigeration & Facilities industry involves maintaining a safe and accessible workplace.

Facilities technicians provide short and long-term planning schedules, in compliance with maintaining a safe work environment, and cost beneficial production schedules. These industry specialists work closely with safety and health officers, management and administration. Planning routine maintenance on equipment and systems used to operate physical plants is required.

A complete knowledge of health, safety, and environmental standards and regulations is required. Additional knowledge is needed in the areas of:

  • Heating
  • Ventilating
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigeration
  • Electrical and mechanical systems
  • Problem solving in emergency situations

Johnson Controls Institute

Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI), is a global and industrial leader in creating smart environments, serving customers in more than 150 countries. JCI ranks No. 17 in Corporate Responsibility Magazine's annual "100 Best Corporate Citizens" in 2016. JCI is one of the biggest companies in the world, providing solutions for operating buildings effectively and increasing energy efficiency and operational performance.

GateWay Community College is home to the Johnson Controls Phoenix Institute. Industry leaders and professionals have been taking advantage of the Building Environmental Laboratory here at GateWay since its dedication in 1998. Our students become Air Conditioning Refrigeration Facilities Technicians using hands-on training in a real-world setting. Much of the equipment students use in training has been donated to GateWay by JCI.

Take a tour of our HVAC facility at GateWay Community College.

Program Location

Washington Campus

Program Cost Estimates*

Certificate of Completion Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning: $2,952
Certificate of Completion in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Facilities: $4,985
Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities: $7,175

*Please note that these are only estimates and do not include books. These estimates may change based on increases to tuition, course fees and book costs. Estimates are based on tuition rates for in-county students. Additional fees may apply.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process used to measure and certify the credibility and quality of services offered by an organization.

GateWay's Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Facilities Technology training program has met the instruction, curriculum, student, faculty, and facility standards set forth by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). PAHRAs programmatic accreditation certifies that the following training areas have been evaluated:

  • Residential Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Light Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Commercial Refrigeration

The many individuals and organizations supporting PAHRA commend this training program for meeting and/or exceeding standards established and validated by the HVACR industry associations.

Additionally, GateWay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Why should you choose an accredited school?

Although many schools offer seemingly similar degree and certification options, not all schools are accredited. In many instances, accreditation of the degree or program you complete may be required in order to become certified to work in the field.

Advisory Committee

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Facilities Technology Advisory Committee for GateWay is comprised of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who represent the best of their industry, serving as an integral part of the learning experience. Members represent the following companies: