Western Maricopa Education Center, a career and technical education public school district, announced the addition of four new CTE programs for high school students.

This fall, students will be able to participate in the new Cloud Technology, Cosmetology, Esports, and Automation and Robotic Systems programs.

The one-year Cloud Technology program will teach students about the concepts, significance, services and terminology of cloud-based technology. This program will be available for students attending the Southwest West-MEC campus in Buckeye. The technical skills students learn in the course will prepare them for a career in IT. Students will also be given the opportunity to earn one or more certifications including CompTIA (ITF+), CompTIA (Network+), CompTIA (Cloud+), and AWS Cloud Practitioner.

Cosmetology will be relaunched, as West-MEC has offered this program in the past, and it is a two-year program, that will cover a wide range of skills, including hair care, styling, cutting, coloring, wig applications, skincare services, nail care, makeup application, hair removal, infection control, safety procedures, and more.

This program will be offered at West-MEC’s community college partner GateWay Community College in Deer Valley. The cosmetology program also offers industry credential tests at no additional cost to students. GateWay will now be offering West-MEC’s Aesthetics program as well.

Esports students develop games, compete in Esports, and connect with peer gamers. Students in Esports will plan, design, produce tournaments and learn all aspects of production and marketing. Using specialized knowledge, students will compete in League of Legends, Rocket League and other tournaments. This one-year program will be offered at West-MEC’s community college partner Paradise Valley Community College.

The Automation and Robotic Systems program equips students with the fundamental engineering principles and technical skills necessary for managing industrial automation control systems and technologies, mainly focusing on integrating artificial intelligence in the control of machines within manufacturing processes. The program will be a one year program offered at West-MEC’s Southwest Campus.

“We are excited to launch four new programs for fall 2024 and allow for more students to get an education in an area they are interested in,” says West-MEC Superintendent Scott Spurgeon. “All West-MEC courses set students up for success and career readiness. We are looking forward to seeing more students thrive and become the future leaders of Arizona.”

In all four programs, students will participate in hands-on learning, work with experienced industry professionals, earn their certifications and have opportunities for internships. CTE programs prepare students to enter the workforce and earn high-paying jobs upon high school graduation. Students who wish to pursue a four-year degree after high school also can earn dual enrollment in their program and earn college credits.