At events not widely reported last month, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs took several steps to assist post-secondary education programs that could result in growing the vocational fields needed to move Arizona society forward this century.
These steps, planted by the Governor’s education vision, may lead to a modern career pathways education program and an economically thriving Grand Canyon State over the long term.
The first event occurred on April 3, 2024, at Central Arizona College in Apache Junction where the Governor announced the creation of the fourth of six workplace accelerators according to the Future 48 Workforce Accelerator Program, an education training-career pathways partnership between industry and community colleges for individuals interested in manufacturing positions, like the production of electric vehicle batteries, especially in more rural areas.
Commenting on the expanded program, Governor Hobbs said:
“Arizona’s job growth has been non-stop, and this new partnership is another sign we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas. Our community colleges are critical institutions to the success of our state, and I am excited for the students at Central Arizona College to take advantage of this opportunity. I want to thank LG Energy Solutions for partnering with us and for continuing to support our efforts to strengthen Arizona’s workforce.”
The Governor also posted on social media.
On April 25, 2024, the Governor announced the creation of the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program.
With $4.5 million in Emergency Assistance to Non Public Schools funding through the American Rescue Plan, this scholarship program will be targeted toward eligible applicants specializing or majoring in the following professions:
- Advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors
- Health Care
- IT/cyber security/broadband/data analytics
- Education and early education
- Construction/trades/HVAC
- Aerospace/defense
- Veterinary technology
- Dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Tractor-trailer driving
- Insurance appraisers
- Paralegal and legal assistants
In a Gubernatorial office press release, Governor Hobbs stated:
“Education has the power to change lives. Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with more and more people and businesses choosing to call our state home. This scholarship, along with our many other ongoing workforce development efforts, will help Arizonans access good paying jobs that allow them to reach their full potential.”
On social media, the Governor posted:
Finally, the Governor, on April 30, announced the first recipients of more than $650,000 in her BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative Grant Awards.
The initiative is designed to “double the number of construction trades registered apprentices by 2026 to support Arizona’s growing economy and to connect Arizonans with good-paying, quality jobs.”
The first organizations to receive grants from this Apprenticeship program were the:
- Arizona Building Trades and Council.
- Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program.
- Rummel Construction.
- The Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Arizona.
- Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program.
Remarking on this, Governor Hobbs offered:
“From electricians to heavy equipment operators and more, Arizona needs trades and craftspeople to support our thriving economy. At the same time, we are opening paths to opportunity for workers in every corner of our state by eliminating barriers to effective training programs. With this initial investment and future investments, we expect to meet the demands of new industries and give every Arizonan a chance at a good-paying job.”
On social media, the Governor posted:
This is outstanding and the type of progressive ideas we dont get from the voucher side of the aisle. The CTEDs and Community Colleges can work together for the benefit of students and the citizens of Arizona.