PHOENIX, AZ McCarthy Building Companies broke ground on a $12.9 million new construction project for Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) in conjunction with SPS+ Architects and Architechnology. The West-MEC Northwest Campus project, which will be located on the southwest corner of Dysart Road and Grand Avenue in Surprise, Arizona, will serve approximately 200 students when it opens in fall 2017.

"As a general contractor, we're especially proud to be working on this project. There is an enormous demand for skilled workers in the numerous industries in Arizona and elsewhere around the country that are served by the Career and Technical Education programs West-MEC offers," said Dr. David Peterson, Vice President of Operations for McCarthy Building Companies' Education Construction team. "This new campus will provide a wealth of opportunities for students and adults seeking career training in the Northwest Valley."

The first phase of construction began this month and will be completed in summer 2017. Phase I includes a 42,000-square-foot building, which will include administrative offices and classroom space. The Northwest Campus will offer a variety of certification programs preparing students for careers in IT Security; Law, Public Safety and Security; Medical Assisting; Physical Therapy and Cosmetology.

There are three other phases of this project depending, in part, on the results from a bond election that will be on the ballot this November. A portion of the $141 million building bond would add programs such as Automotive Technology, Energy and Industrial Technology, Medium/Heavy Diesel and Pharmacy Technician. Future phases also include a gathering space for the community for up to 300 people.

"Since our inception, West-MEC has envisioned a campus in this area of our community. As promised in our initial bond election, we are excited to bring this first phase and these outstanding career pathways to the Northwest portion of West-MEC's district," said West-MEC Superintendent Gregory J. Donovan. "As our communities grow and prosper, so does the need for a well-prepared workforce. This is our opportunity to assist in the growth and economic success of our students who want to live, work and flourish in the Northwest Valley."