Photo courtesy of Skanska
Arizona’s semiconductor industry is rapidly expanding, fueled by robust international and local investments that are transforming Phoenix’s economic landscape. Yet, as the sector grows, so does the urgent need for a highly skilled workforce capable of constructing the advanced infrastructure it demands. While construction remains one of the most in-demand jobs in Arizona, the skilled labor shortage continues to extend project schedules and increase costs. This creates both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen the talent pipeline and accelerate economic growth.
Addressing this labor shortage — especially in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) trades for semiconductors, data centers and high-tech expertise — requires a targeted regional approach to improve and grow the existing labor force of skilled tradespeople locally. Here’s how Skanska’s Advanced Technology operating unit, which builds semiconductor and mission-critical projects across the Valley, is doing its part to improve Phoenix’s construction talent pool.
Engaging the Next Generation of Arizona’s Semiconductor Construction Workforce
Developing a strong talent pipeline begins early, and Skanska works closely with Phoenix-based partners to provide students with multiple real-world opportunities to engage with the practical skills required in construction. Skanska has directly engaged with numerous educational institutions to connect with students at all levels.
Earlier this year, Skanska, in collaboration with Microsoft and the Arizona Science Center, hosted the “Snow Week” event series, which allowed young students to understand STEM concepts using real-world experiences. Both fun and informative, the weeklong event increased exposure to STEM career paths and sparked curiosity about the topic for later in life. Students, such as those at Yavapai College’s Skilled Trade School, can participate in “Day of Discovery” events. These events include a job-site tour of a local mission-critical site, lunch, panel discussions led by industry leaders and practical demonstrations of the key skills they’ll need as young professionals entering the skilled trades.
Knowledge sharing doesn’t just extend to students for Skanska. While semiconductors and data centers are not new, the increasing demands of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing are transforming how they are built. Supply chain constraints and ever-evolving project requirements demand that subcontractors be knowledgeable and agile. The Construction Management Building Blocks and Excellence in Construction Leadership programs, created by Skanska as early as 2007, foster strategic partnerships with local, diverse small construction businesses to increase their access to resources, upskill their employees and build the capacity for managing and participating in advanced projects.
Building a More Resilient Industry through Inclusion and Diversity
The ability to adapt seamlessly is a defining quality of resilience. While construction methods have continued to evolve, the industry’s workforce demographics have changed little over the past two decades. Gen Z is increasingly entering the construction industry (making up around 14.1% of the workforce in 2025 per the U.S. Census Bureau). However, there is room for further growth by expanding the pool of qualified talent and subcontractors by accelerating exposure for underrepresented groups.
Skanska embraces inclusive recruitment, with women making up 24% of Skanska US Building’s workforce (compared to the industry average of 11%) and continuing efforts to strengthen outreach and attract talent from a wider range of backgrounds. In Phoenix, Skanska supports the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a community nonprofit that provides resources to help women achieve self-sufficiency by offering career mentorship for those entering the construction industry. Veterans are another target audience, and Skanska partners with Valors for Veterans Community AZ to connect them with on-the-job training, hiring events and resources to help them build skills for advanced technology projects.
Looking Ahead
Arizona’s booming semiconductor industry is reshaping Phoenix’s economic landscape, but its continued success depends on addressing ongoing skilled labor shortages. Skanska’s multifaceted approach — early engagement with students, collaboration with educational partners, upskilling local tradespeople, and fostering inclusion and diversity — offers a blueprint for building a resilient workforce ready for advanced technology projects. The key takeaway is clear: Strategic investment in education, workforce development and inclusive recruitment is essential not only for meeting today’s construction demands but also for sustaining the region’s growth and global competitiveness in the years ahead.
Jordan Phillips, vice president and project executive, oversees Skanska Advanced Tech operations in the Phoenix metro area. With more than 15 years of experience, he has a strong understanding of the advanced tech market and how to execute systemic changes to proactively meet client needs.
Advanced Technology builds high-tech facilities that shape modern industry, from hyperscale data centers and colocation hubs to high-volume semiconductor fabs. Operating in environments where precision engineering, controlled conditions and complex system integration define project success, Skanska’s experts in Advanced Technology build trusted partnerships and draw on Skanska’s national and global resources to bring deep knowledge, disciplined execution and critical-path alignment to every project. The result: accelerated delivery of a complex, technology-driven facility built for the next generation.
