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.
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.
Start your career path in the construction workforce and help build the nation's infrastructure for future generations.
The registered Apprenticeship training gives you the opportunity to "earn while you learn." In partnership with trade organizations, our program is a combination of classroom training (college credit courses) and paid on-the-job training, lasting from 2 to 5 years.
After successful completion of a program, students will receive their Journeyman card and become eligible for a Certificate of Completion leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree. This option has a formal admission and application process.
Admission Criteria for Apprenticeship:
Formal application and admission to the program is required through the designated training "Partner." For "Partner" contact information:
- Click on the Program Links in the left column menu on this page
- Look under "Apprenticeship Programs"
- Find the one of interest to learn more about it; partner contact information is listed in each respective program
The clock HVAC and Electrical programs are considered non-credit programs, which are training programs that provide skills for quick entry into the workforce. Both have specific year-round start dates, and you attend classes four days a week, Monday-Thursday.
HVAC
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technicians and Installers are always in high demand, especially in our arid desert environment. This program provides you with the training and skills needed to work in residential environments on HVAC repairs and installation.
The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician is designed to provide entry-level training in the areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) systems, electricity, electronic controls and general repair. Students will have the opportunity to learn skills necessary to assess and solve problems quickly.
Successful completion of the Certificate of Competency may lead to industry credentials through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Watch video to learn more about the HVAC Programs at GateWay Community College.
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.
Virtual Pre-Enrollment Session
HVAC Electrical Technician
Enrollment Session: Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Program Location
Program Cost Estimates*
Certificate of Competency for HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician: $5,260 | 667 hours/7-8 months
Certificate of Competency for Electrical Commercial and Residential: $4,690 | 630 hours/6-7 months
Certificate of Competency for Electrical Installer: $2,630 | 348 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.
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
Program Cost Estimates*
Certificate of Completion Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning: $2,158
Certificate of Completion in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Facilities Maintenance: $3,856
Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities: $6,518
*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.
- Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)
- Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
- American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Council of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE)
- Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
- Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
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:
- Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA)
- Industrial Refrigeration and Boiler
- Neil's Air Conditioning & Heating
- Watson Pharmaceuticals
- Mechanical Products BAS Inc.
- Tempro