​ With just two weeks left until late registration begins at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), it’s not surprising that English, math and science classes are filling up fast for the fall semester. However, given the wide array of specialized classes, it is surprising that CGCC’s Williams Campus remains one of the college’s best-kept secrets.

“In addition to offering associate degrees, certificates, and university transfer courses, our Williams campus offers many specialized programs that students sometimes don’t hear about,” said John Schroeder, Provost at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Williams Campus.

 One of the unique programs offered on the Williams Campus is the Electric Utility Technology (EUT) Program. This program is designed to produce a technical certificate or A.A.S. Degree and provides students with basic preparation in overhead and underground construction and maintenance procedures. The program’s focus on real-world skills is paying off as the Arizona Public Service, a Pinnacle West company located in Phoenix, AZ, lists the EUT program as a required step toward becoming a Journeyman Line worker for APS.

 “Students entering the program are always surprised at how frustrating, hard and challenging it is to learn how to climb a pole but by the end of the second semester it becomes easy,” said Mark D. Weaver, director of CGCC’s Electric Utility Technology Program. “The EUT program graduates more than 90 percent of its students and places more than 70 percent in utility industry jobs.”

 Most students don’t realize that in addition to the EUT program, CGCC’s Williams Campus is also home to the Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) - one of 17 Arizona police training academies. The Academy is designed to provide police academy training that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) and to produce certified peace officers. In addition, it provides 30 college academic credit hours in Administration of Justice Studies, which may be applied toward an AJS certificate or degree. CGCC’s LETA program is unique in that students attend part-time and can remain employed while participating.

“Our students include people who want to serve the community, those currently employed fulltime, as well as those with families who are seeking a good career with benefits,” said Jon Terpay, Director of Chandler-Gilbert Community College Law Enforcement Training Academy. “Ninety percent of our graduates find jobs in the Valley.”

 Classes taught at the Williams campus are available during the day, evening, weekends, and even online. In addition, hybrid format classes, in which a portion of the class is taught face-to-face on campus and the other portion takes place online are available as are self-paced classes in which students can complete work at home on their personal computer or in the CGCC Computer Lab at their own pace. The variety of available options is one of many offerings that serve a student body that ranges from recent high-school graduates to professionals earning additional degrees.

“The Williams campus is smaller in comparison to the Pecos Campus but can offer a one-stop service, which allows students to receive all services in one visit - this is a great advantage,” said Rochelle Reinesch, CGGG Williams Campus Manager.