Gateway Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Arizona / Gateway Community College
GateWay Community College – Phoenix, AZ
Programs Offered
- Welding Technology (e.g., Fundamentals, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Pipe Welding)
- HVAC Technician – Residential Installation & Service
- CNC Machining and Manufacturing Technology
- Collision Repair Technician
- Construction Trades (Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Site Management)
Program Overview
GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona provides fast-track technical training designed for students seeking careers in skilled trades and manufacturing. The college offers “clock” programs and certificate/degree options that emphasize hands-on learning and real-world experience in state-of-the-art labs.
With year-round start dates and programs that can be completed in months rather than years, GateWay is tailored to meet the demands of local industries in construction, manufacturing, collision repair, advanced machining, and HVAC service.
Hands-On Training
Students work in modern lab environments that simulate workplace conditions. Key training includes:
- MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques; pipe and structural welding setups
- Installation and servicing of residential HVAC systems, diagnostics, and maintenance
- CNC machine operation, programming, tooling setup and precision measurement
- Collision repair: bodywork, painting, frame straightening and repair techniques
- Construction trade fundamentals: carpentry, wiring, piping, blueprint reading and job-site safety
Certifications & Career Preparation
- Preparation for American Welding Society (AWS) credentials and pipe welding endorsements
- Eligible for HVAC technician credentials and EPA Section 608 preparation (Residential Installer/Service)
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential eligibility for CNC Machining
- Career services support, job placement assistance, and apprenticeship pathways across Arizona’s trades and manufacturing sectors
Program Length
- Welding, HVAC, CNC Tech Certificates: Approximately 8–10 months (clock hour programs)
- Associate Degrees in Applied Technology / Construction Trades: Typically 2 years
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math and reading comprehension skills
- Interest in hands-on technical and trade work
Financial Aid & Student Support
GateWay offers access to federal and state financial aid, scholarships and workforce training grants. Students benefit from comprehensive career services, advising, and access to employer networks for job placement and apprenticeship connections.
Location
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, GateWay Community College serves as part of the Maricopa County Community College District. The campus is equipped with multiple locations—such as Central City, Washington Campus and Deer Valley—offering accessible trade-tech labs, modern makerspaces like Phoenix Forge and direct linkages to local industry.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Gateway Community and Technical College (Florence, KY) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Trade or Technical Training
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Gateway Community and Technical College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.