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San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) expanded outside of California for the first time with the launch of its Phoenix Trades Education Center (TEC).

The new campus, which opened in August, is part of a programmatic realignment between SJVC and its sister school, Carrington College. SJVC focuses on trades and business career programs, while Carrington College specializes in health care and medical education.

Before the expansion, TEC operated as Carrington College Phoenix TEC. Now, with a new SJVC name, the center opened with two programs: Electrical Technology and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R).

Both programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields.

“We’re excited to bring SJVC’s trades education to Arizona for the first time with the introduction of our Phoenix campus,” said President of SJVC, Robyn Whiles. “This alignment and expansion into Arizona allow us to focus our resources on delivering quality, hands-on training in trades programs that help prepare students for meaningful careers.”

Students in the electrical technology program are taught how to install, maintain and repair systems that are in homes and businesses.

The HVAC-R program curriculum covers heating and cooling principles, troubleshooting and electrical theory.

SJVC is approaching its 50th anniversary and has awarded more than 83,000 certificates and degrees.