Phoenix leads manufacturing job growth in the Unites States, with more than 15,000 new jobs created in 2023 alone. Driving this growth is Arizona’s strategic location in the region, robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment that attracts investments and fosters innovation.
Manufacturing is projected to have a 1.3% increase in jobs by 2025, representing 4,985 new jobs in production for computer, technology and transportation equipment. This sector represents the largest job gains for one field, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.
For the last three years, manufacturing curriculum has been in place for some colleges. The ReadyTechGo program was created to centrally align with Maricopa Community Colleges, Central Arizona College and Pima Community College, located in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, to provide a unified curriculum for both potential employers and employees.
As a result of the incredible growth and what is forecast to come, many local colleges have added curriculum to support training and develop a skilled workforce within these fields. For the first time, a centrally aligned, cohesive program has been rolled out at four colleges. The new program, branded as ReadyTechGo, is offered at Central Arizona College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Mesa Community College and Pima Community College.
The coordinated curriculum for ReadyTechGo was developed from industry standard certifications that had previously existed within four community colleges. The benefit of coordination is to further engage employers to understand their direct needs and bring the manufacturing industry skills into the curriculum. Industry partnerships representing a range of advanced manufacturing employers in Arizona include Amkor, Boeing, Intel, LG, Energy Solutions, Lucid, TSMC and Westpharma.
The college districts have the capacity to enroll approximately 1,800 students per semester for both certificate and degree options of this Automated Industrial Technology training program that provides students with essential skills for jobs in advanced manufacturing, a growing industry characterized by technology and robotics. The curriculum is front-loaded, so students can be prepared for a job in as little as two weeks. Students can pursue further certifications in high-demand fields such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices and aerospace. The entire program can be completed in two years and culminates in an associate degree. During the last four years, approximately 2,100 students have completed certificate programs using this education.
Since 2011, Arizona has successfully landed 1,264 companies that have committed to creating more than 285,000 projected new jobs and more than $162 billion in new capital statewide.
With competitive wages in the manufacturing sector, these careers foster upward mobility and socioeconomic advancement.
As Arizona continues to outpace the nation in manufacturing growth, these large manufacturing companies will benefit from the locally developed talent while current Arizonans benefit from access to new industry opportunities and employment in the growing field.
 Mark Gaspers is chair of Governor Hobbs’ Workforce Arizona Council. |
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