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Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT) is at the forefront of shaping our community’s future by partnering with local industries and offering programs that provide employers with a steady stream of well-trained, job-ready candidates. As a Career Technical Education District (CTED), CVIT offers high school students from Globe, Hayden-Winkelman, Miami, San Carlos, Ray, and Superior programs in cosmetology, dental assisting, early childhood education, electrical installation, HVAC-R, medical assisting, mental and social health, nurse assisting, welding, and wildland fire science. Courses are taught off of their high school campuses at Eastern Arizona College – Gila Pueblo Campus (EAC), Central Arizona College (CAC), as well as on-site for specific areas of study.
Each of these programs is designed to provide high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma, dual credits, certifications, and industry-recognized credentials. However, for CVIT to be successful, strong partnerships with local organizations and industries are essential. These collaborations provide the educational resources needed for CVIT students to complete the programs that eventually provide them (the local employers) with job candidates specifically trained for their needs.
One of the standout partnerships CVIT has developed is with Freeport-McMoRan, a leading natural resources company that mines copper and gold in Globe. Freeport-McMoRan’s commitment to investing in our community’s future workforce is exemplified through its support for CVIT’s welding and electrical installation programs.
The welding program, initiated in 2022, has been a resounding success. Freeport-McMoRan provides the program with company trainers, resulting in a pipeline of skilled welders ready to meet industry demands. Building on this success, Freeport-McMoRan is now also supporting the new electrical installation program, which begins on August 19, 2024. This two-year program is designed to offer high school students foundational training in electrical work. The goal is for students to complete the CVIT program and then be accepted into a two-year paid apprenticeship at Freeport-McMoRan, eventually becoming company electricians.
Mike O’Neal, CVIT Superintendent, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We like to say ‘We grow our own.’ Freeport-McMoRan is an instrumental partner in making the welding and electrical installation programs in the Globe-Miami area successful. By getting our high school students trained in the areas of need in our community, we are building a sustainable workforce for our local industries.”
Other partnerships include Resolution Copper in Superior, where welding students get to experience a top-of-the-line welding lab; and Cobre Valley Regional Medical where CVIT’s nursing and medical assistant students complete their clinicals or externships.
“We have an 80% placement rate for our health occupation students, which is so needed, as there is a big need for healthcare workers in our community,” said O’Neal. “The support from both, Resolution Copper and Cobre Valley Regional Medical have been phenomenal, ensuring our students get the practical experience they need to excel in their careers.”
The new mental and social health tech program is another example of CVIT’s proactive approach to addressing community needs. “We know that there is a shortage in our local community, the state, and even nationwide, for mental health experts. Most schools don’t even have counselors anymore,” O’Neal noted. “We’re proud to offer these programs so we can help bring trained candidates to the mental health professions.”
CVIT’s comprehensive support for students includes covering all tuition, books, fees, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, and certification or licensing fees. “Many students do not have the resources to cover the additional costs associated with vocational training and certification. By eliminating these financial barriers, we ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed,” said O’Neal. CVIT’s commitment to accessibility ensures that students can focus on their education and training without the burden of financial stress.
The impact of CVIT’s programs is evident in their impressive placement rate. Eight out of ten students who complete a CVIT program find jobs or continue their education in their chosen field. This success rate is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by CVIT, as well as the vital support from community partners. “Our students graduate not just with a high school diploma, but with certifications and skills that make them immediately employable,” O’Neal added.
This year, CVIT expects to have close to 150 students enrolled in its programs. These students will benefit from the hands-on training, industry connections, and comprehensive support that CVIT offers, setting them on a path to successful and rewarding careers. “Our goal is to prepare students for the real world, whether that means entering the workforce directly or continuing their education,” said O’Neal.
CVIT’s role in the community extends beyond immediate job placement. By addressing the specific needs of local industries and providing students with essential skills, CVIT is fostering a future workforce that is both adaptable and highly competent. The ongoing collaboration with industry leaders ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of our local job market.
For additional information about CVIT and the programs they offer, visit CVIT81.org or call (480) 204-0325.
Carissa Pool is an Arizona native who grew up in Glendale and now lives in Peoria. Carissa earned her bachelor of arts degree from Arizona State University West and in her 15-plus year career in marketing and public relations has worked with a range of clients across various industries, from construction to non-profits. While she takes great pride in her professional achievements, her greatest joys come from writing and cherishing her role as a mother to her two young daughters.
