Pima Community College to Open New Building and Construction Technology Center, Expanding Workforce Training
The 25,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for students pursuing careers in high-demand skilled trades.
TUCSON, AZ — Pima Community College will celebrate the grand opening of its newly remodeled and expanded Building and Construction Technology (BCT) Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marking a significant investment in workforce development and hands-on education in Southern Arizona.
The project, thanks to $1,232,000 in Congressionally Directed Funding, primarily supported by former U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva, is helping to expand training opportunities and modernize facilities for students entering the skilled trades.
“This new center represents our commitment to meeting the growing workforce needs of our region,” said Jeffrey P. Nasse, Chancellor of Pima Community College. “Students won’t just learn about construction — they’ll gain real, hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and technology under the guidance of experienced professionals.”
The 25,000-square-foot facility, also funded through revenue bonds, will serve as a hub for students pursuing careers in high-demand skilled trades. The center expands PCC’s capacity to train students in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and construction management, while also introducing new training in commercial and industrial HVAC, refrigeration and heavy equipment operations.
Part of PCC’s Center of Excellence for Applied Technology at the Downtown Campus, the BCT program has been developed in close collaboration with industry partners to meet the evolving needs of the construction workforce. With rapid technological advancements shaping the field, the new center will provide students and working professionals access to modern equipment and real-world training environments.
The expanded program will not only prepare students for entry into the workforce but also support upskilling and reskilling for current industry professionals. PCC will be among a limited number of institutions offering comprehensive training in commercial and industrial HVAC and refrigeration—areas where training opportunities are currently limited.
In addition to traditional degree pathways, the program will offer short-term training opportunities designed to help workers stay current with emerging technologies and industry standards.
The ribbon-cutting event will bring together college leadership, faculty, students, industry partners and community members to celebrate the opening and showcase the new facility.
Event Details
- What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Building and Construction Technology Center
- Where: Pima Community College, Downtown Campus. 1255 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85709
- When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Doors open: 3:30 p.m., Program begins: 4:00 p.m., Ribbon-cutting ceremony to follow. Self guided tours after the ceremony.
Speakers:
- Greg Wilson, PCC Dean, Applied Technology
- Amanda Abens, PCC Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development
- Tim Bee, Vice President for Government and Community Relations at Arizona Builders Alliance
- John Gerard, PCC Department Chair, Building and Construction Trades
- Jeffrey P. Nasse, Ph.D., PCC Chancellor
CONTACT:
Justin Kree
Director of Media Relations
Pima Community College
Cell: 520.710.7170
jkree@pima.edu