The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity’s jobs data is projecting sustained opportunities and growth across all sectors in 2026. Observing, “Businesses of all kinds are investing in Arizona, creating a diverse range of employment opportunities for everyone,” Office of Economic Opportunity Director Mary Foote shares, “Arizona’s economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and targeted growth. Our latest projections show Arizona adding about 450,000 jobs between 2024 and 2034, representing a 1.2% annual growth rate that significantly outpaces the national projection of just 0.3%.”
“Arizona is experiencing rapid growth across a wide range of industries,” says Sandra Watson, president and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority, citing semiconductors, technology and AI, aerospace and defense, batteries, bioscience and healthcare as among them.
While noting, “Many of these sectors are also driving an increase in high-quality manufacturing jobs,” Watson adds, “We’re also seeing a rise in headquarters projects across multiple industries, most recently with Cognite in Tempe, Axon in Scottsdale and Honeywell in Phoenix, showcasing Arizona’s attractiveness as a premier destination for office operations.”
Positive growth is not the only factor in the overall jobs picture. Bill Nance, president and CEO of StrataTech Education Group, points out, “The increased demand combined with an aging workforce of existing professionals presents an acute shortage in skilled labor.”
As for the long-standing economic engine of the construction industry, Arizona Builders Alliance President Kim Davids says, “The state benefits from attracting companies and workers from other regions, but the emphasis remains on building homegrown talent. Competition from out-of-state companies brings both opportunities and challenges, as these firms often import their own workforce while also creating demand for local workers.”
Noting that Arizona’s construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by massive investments in technology and manufacturing sectors, Davids credits the semiconductor industry as leading this expansion in Arizona. “An example,” she says, “is TSMC Arizona’s $165-billion investment, setting the stage for continued development. Hyperscale data centers represent another major growth sector, with project sizes doubling from previous years and creating sustained demand through 2027.”
Davids sees industrial and commercial construction dominating the employment landscape, particularly in the West Valley areas of Goodyear and Buckeye, where vast amounts of land support large-scale development. The East Valley and corridors connecting Phoenix to Tucson also show strong growth patterns. And within these sectors, the highest demand exists for skilled trades positions, including electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and mechanical specialists. “Project management roles and supervisory positions also see strong demand as ABA member companies manage increasingly complex, technology-driven construction projects,” Davids says. “The industry requires workers who can adapt to advanced building systems, building information modeling, and integrated project delivery methods that define modern construction.”
Sharing his perspective as national program director of skilled trades for Ancora Education, Phoenix native Bill Myers points to not just the industrial and tech projects but also the many commercial and mixed-use projects. “They all require electricians, HVAC installers, plumbers and welders as the most called-upon skilled trades,” he says. He points to two factors impacting the job and workforce situation: “Contractors from all over the country are working at these sites where the pay is generally more, creating a shortage for the small businesses to find tradesmen to do the smaller jobs. And, even after the projects are finished, skilled labor will be needed for the plants to be maintained and run, requiring long-term employees.”
Renee Arellano-Jones, president of Arizona Automotive Institute, notes another factor in what she describes as “a major skills gap and shortage when it comes to skilled trades” and why she emphasized the importance of trained professional: “There is a generation of technicians and trades workers that are retiring out and there are not enough skilled trades professionals coming behind to fill those roles,” she says. Additionally, “We have found that employers are not only looking for trained skilled technicians, but also those with the soft skills that will mesh in with their organization. This is the other critical part that is discussed as part of the training at AAI “
She has seen a number of organizations with an influx in opportunities in the trades, and cites specifically the welding, automotive and diesel fields. “The Phoenix Metropolitan and surrounding areas are an attractive place for new and expanding companies,” she observes. “This is evident by some of the most recent big names that have decided to plant roots in Arizona, such as TSMC and Google.”
At Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a public school district, programs provide career training for both high school and adult students in Arizona. Superintendent Scott Spurgeon, Ed.D., sees the strongest employment growth in such sectors as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, and logistics and distribution. “These trends reflect both the number of new companies expanding or relocating to the region, as well as existing employers increasing their workforce to meet demand,” he says. “Within these types of businesses, the most common types of jobs are entry-level positions. For example, in the advanced manufacturing field, they are hiring more entry-level technicians than we can even provide, which is why we are expanding that training program, and the same goes for our Healthcare and skilled trades programs.”
Naming skilled trades and technical roles, healthcare professionals and entry-level workers with strong soft skills — specifically communication, reliability and teamwork — as workforce shortages, Dr. Spurgeon observes, “Some shortages stem from retirements, especially in trades, while others are driven by industry growth outpacing the local talent pipeline.”
Foote also notes the need for talent at higher education levels, including engineers and researchers with master’s and doctoral degrees, to drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and defense technologies.
“The proliferation of investment from global companies, particularly in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing spaces, has also increased the demand for engineers and other employees with technical skills,” observes Christine Mackay, president of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “This need will not slow down, as companies in the expansion process like Amkor, LG Energy Solution, Intel and TSMC continue building out their projects and hiring more employees.”
The largest provider of workforce training in the state is the Maricopa County Community College District. Addressing one area of our evolving economy, Chancellor Steven R. Gonzales, Ed.D., says, “Arizona has quickly become the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing, and, in the last five years, the state has won more than 40 semiconductor expansion projects.” Citing the prediction estimating a nationwide need for 115,000 jobs by 2030, Dr. Gonzales points out jobs in the semiconductor ecosystem that are or will become available in the workforce range from entry-level technicians to computer and electronic parts manufacturing, and even roles in artificial intelligence and machine learning. “As a system,” he says, “Maricopa Community Colleges currently offers 31 degree and certificate programs that directly or indirectly support the semiconductor industry.”
While the semiconductor industry expansions and investments capture the headlines, healthcare also posts impressive numbers. According to Foote, OEO projects the addition of 113,500 jobs by 2034, representing a 2.1% annual increase. “This sector remains vital to our state’s economic health as our population grows and ages, creating demand for medical professionals at all levels,” she says.
Dr. Gonzales cites figures from OEO showing that year-over-year, healthcare and social assistance reported gains of more than 20,000 jobs. “When looking at short-term occupational growth through 2026, jobs — including physical therapist assistants, home health and personal care aids, nurse assistants, phlebotomists and dental assistants — show steady increases in annual openings. The state’s aging population and influx of new residents mean more individuals need access to healthcare services and providers,” he says, adding, “As the largest integrated healthcare education system, with over 70 healthcare programs — including three bachelor’s degree programs — Maricopa Community Colleges connect students to the educational pathways needed to not only gain employment but create long-term careers.”
Mackay points also to growth in the biosciences and medtech sectors, spurred by the growing traffic in the healthcare industry and innovation ecosystem. “Greater Phoenix has recently attracted high-tech, forward-looking companies, including MiiHealth, NeuroCatch and Hummingbird Biomedical, bolstering our reputation as a leading market for novel health technologies,” she says, noting, “In the bioscience industry, every job creates 5.7 indirect jobs in supporting industries and services, adding broader employment opportunities around the region.”
“We’re also seeing substantial growth among microbusinesses, which indicates entrepreneurship’s increasing importance in Arizona’s economy,” Foote says. “Through the Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program, we’ve designated $5 million to support businesses with fewer than five employees. These loans range from $2,000 to $50,000 per qualified business and include financial education and training support.”
However, Foote offers another perspective on some of the strong business development and job creation we’ve discussed as she points out that Arizona faces specific workforce gaps that require targeted solutions:
- “The healthcare sector experiences the most severe shortages, particularly in rural communities where access to care remains challenging. Direct care workers, who provide essential daily support to elderly and disabled populations, represent a critical gap that affects quality of life for vulnerable Arizonans.
- “Behavioral health technicians remain in short supply as mental health needs grow across all demographics.
- “The shortage of nursing professionals continues to strain healthcare systems, with particular needs in specialized areas like critical care, emergency, and geriatric nursing.
- “The construction industry faces persistent shortages of skilled trades workers at a time when infrastructure and housing development are essential to our growing population. Experienced electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians remain in high demand, with employers competing for limited talent.
- “The technology sector faces competitive challenges in recruiting software developers and cybersecurity professionals, while advanced manufacturing growth has created demand for workers with specialized technical skills that outpace current workforce capacity.
“These shortages could limit Arizona’s ability to capitalize on economic development opportunities if not addressed through strategic workforce initiatives,” Foote says.
Targeting Solutions in Workforce Development
“Public-private partnerships have become essential to addressing workforce gaps,” says Foote. An example she points to is the Talent Ready AZ Initiative, which brings together state agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to align training programs with business needs. “These collaborations ensure the curriculum prepares students for real-world employment while providing clear pathways to in-demand jobs.”
And Watson notes, “Industry partnerships are key to all that we do at the ACA.”
In fact, collaboration is a defining characteristic of Phoenix’s — even Arizona’s — economic development.
“Our collaborative approach to workforce development brings together all partners across government, academia and industry to develop comprehensive, award-winning and scalable solutions,” Watson says. One such solution is the nationally recognized Future48 Workforce Accelerator programs, launched by Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with local community colleges and industry partners. The Accelerators provide hands-on training for careers in the state’s growing manufacturing sector.
“Since launching the first Future48 Workforce Accelerator, known as Drive48, in 2021, the Future48 network has expanded to include six training centers statewide in Coolidge, Apache Junction, Yuma, Kingman, Phoenix and Mesa focused on industries such as automotive, battery, semiconductors, aerospace and defense, and more,” says Watson.
At the same time, Watson sees industry partners taking action to strengthen their talent pipelines, particularly in the fast‑growing semiconductor sector. Two of note are Intel’s first U.S.-registered apprenticeship for semiconductor technicians, which it launched in 2024, followed that same year by TSMC Arizona’s expanded Registered Technician Apprenticeship program. “TSMC’s apprenticeship expansion creates new pathways into semiconductor careers, including equipment and process technician apprenticeships developed in collaboration with Arizona universities and community colleges,” Watson shares. “In December 2025, TSMC celebrated the graduation of its inaugural apprenticeship cohort.”
Watson also credits organizations such as the SciTech Institute for playing a vital role in cultivating Arizona’s future STEM workforce through initiatives like the Arizona STEM Ecosystem, the Arizona SciTech Festival, the Chief Science Officers program and regional Ecosystem Hubs.
Traditionally, talk of workforce development has focused on advanced degrees or trades. But Amber Smith, CEO of Pipeline AZ, reminds us the landscape is broader than that.
“Across the state, job growth is strongest in sectors that rely on highly skilled, specialized roles,” Smith says. “Advanced manufacturing and semiconductor employers need technicians, quality specialists, and engineering support roles. Healthcare employers need behavioral health technicians, medical assistants, CNAs, and nurses. Construction, skilled trades, and logistics continue to expand alongside regional manufacturing. These are often high-opportunity jobs that do not require a four-year degree but do require clear, accessible on-ramps and aligned training.”
She notes, also, that Arizona cannot rely solely on importing talent the way it once did, pointing out that every state is competing for the same shrinking pool of skilled workers, and baby boomer retirements are accelerating. “The Rounds analysis makes this clear: Arizona cannot meet future economic demand without significantly strengthening its in-state talent pipeline.
“This is where our nonprofit mission becomes most important,” Smith continues. “Through My Future AZ, we are now collecting, in real time, the career pathway interests of roughly one in three Arizona middle and high school students. No other system provides this level of insight into what learners are interested in pursuing and how that aligns — or doesn’t — with the careers driving Arizona’s economy. Creating collective impact, we then work with education partners, workforce organizations, nonprofit organizations, government partners and sector-based industry groups to use this data to increase awareness of in-demand pathways, close gaps in understanding, and build stronger, earlier on-ramps into priority occupations. This includes both youth and adult learners, helping individuals transition, reskill or advance into high-growth fields.”
Smith, too, credits employers across Arizona for taking a more active role in developing talent, as companies work directly with schools, community colleges and regional partnerships to define needed skills, support dual enrollment, expand work-based learning, and help shape industry-validated career pathways. While describing this as mirroring national shifts toward industry-driven workforce solutions, Smith notes Arizona has, in fact, been ahead of that curve.
“Arizona’s economy is strong because its industries are strong. But sustaining that trajectory requires a workforce system that moves at the speed of industry,” says Smith. “As a nonprofit, Pipeline Connects is ensuring that every Arizonan can see a clear path from learning to earning, and that every employer can access the talent they need to grow. We are not just filling jobs; we are the infrastructure creating collective impact.”
Collaborative Partner: Schools
“Trade schools are working to fill the gaps by offering NCCER-accredited [National Center for Construction Education and Research] programs with hands-on training that allow graduates to prepare for entry level work in the field,” says Ancora’s Myers. For instance, the trade school’s Automotive Service Technician program covers all aspects of automotive service, repair and maintenance.
Arellano-Jones explains Arizona Automotive Institute partners with local employers and industry leaders to identify what is needed in the field. “The dedicated Career Services department at AAI hosts outreach and connection activities as often as possible. AAI involves employer partners, hiring managers, and industry leaders by inviting them to the campus to review curriculum material and labs through Program Advisory Committees.” She notes employer partners and local business leaders are also frequently on campus to provide presentations and network with students, and interview students and graduates for potential employment opportunities. “These relationships help us to understand not only the needs of the industry and employers, but also how to best assist and train future workforce.”
Phoenix is home to the nation’s largest refrigeration school, RSI, a field Nance particularly singles out as one with a large and growing demand and says, “StrataTech and RSI are working with high schools to increase awareness of Skilled Trades as a viable career choice for recent grads.” They also work with employers, to understand where their needs will be and reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce to meet that need.
At West-MEC, which offers more than 30 career training programs, Dr. Spurgeon says, “Identifying key industry and post-secondary partnerships has unlocked new opportunities for students, and West-MEC is continuing to build new relationships to give students as many opportunities as possible.”
Explaining that training institutions stay closely connected to employers through advisory boards, curriculum reviews and real-time labor market data, Dr. Spurgeon notes that many programs are being expanded or redesigned to respond to workforce needs. Examples he shares are developing career pathways and dual credit technical courses, developing work-based learning and youth apprenticeships, and strong alignment with K–12 to ensure students see clear pathways into high-demand fields. “The focus is not just on technical instruction,” he says, “but also work readiness — ensuring graduates have the soft skills and hands-on experience needed for success.”
Observing that educational institutions across Arizona are becoming increasingly responsive to industry needs through data-driven program development and direct employer partnerships, Foote believes our community colleges have become particularly adept at aligning their programs with real-world employment demands. She notes, “Public-private partnerships drive curriculum development at many institutions. Community colleges work directly with industry advisory boards to design programs that meet specific workforce needs. These collaborations ensure students develop skills that employers actually need while creating direct pathways to employment.”
This, in fact, is the core idea of ReadyTechGo, an initiative of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, and Foote points to the Automated Industrial Technology program available through ReadyTechGo’s network of Arizona community colleges as a standout example. “This industry-recognized program prepares students for high-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing. Students can be job-ready in as little as two weeks with their first certification, then continue their education to earn an associate degree in two years.”
Dr. Gonzales notes that community colleges are also a key partner for business and local municipalities when it comes to helping upskill and reskill. “Since 2020, we have witnessed an increasing number of local cities and towns offering upskilling, reskilling and educational opportunities to their residents in an effort to promote workforce and economic development,” he says. Among the local efforts the community college system has supported are Maricopa County’s Workforce 2 You program, which offers residents the opportunity to complete the Workforce Professional Skills microcredential at no cost, and the City of Mesa’s Mesa College Promise program, which provides eligible residents with two years of fully covered tuition to attend Mesa Community College. “Because we offer a wide range of affordable, short-term training, we can facilitate career advancement opportunities at a much larger scale.”
Maricopa Community Colleges has forged partnerships with employers of all sizes. The process, whether for a local business or an industry giant, begins with assessing workforce gaps and creating a curriculum that matches employer requirements, while also being mindful of the fact that students need to complete these programs within a short period of time. “I think this is where we, as a system, have excelled,” Dr. Gonzales says, citing the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start as a great example “not only because we have seen success, but because we have created a model for other community colleges across the nation.”
Created in partnership with Intel Corporation and TSMC, Semiconductor Technician Quick Start is a 10-day, 40-hour, bootcamp-style training provides students with the foundational skills needed to gain employment in the fast-growing industry. Explains Dr. Gonzales, “We view training through the lens of what prepares students for immediate employment and what inspires them to consider their long-term career aspirations. A student completing this training can seek out roles while also thinking more broadly about stacking their credentials to complete a certificate or degree program in Automated Industrial Technology.”
Dr. Gonzales points to nursing as another career field that offers students a fast-track option. The Practical Nursing certificate can be completed in two semesters or less, and students seeking greater employment opportunities within the field can later complete an associate’s degree in nursing at eight of the system’s 10 colleges, or even complete their RN-BSN at GateWay Community College. “With our bachelor’s degree expansion plan beginning in 2027, I have no doubt we will have an affordable, accessible option available to meet them where they are at.”
Delineating the situation for construction, Davids says educational institutions are partnering with industry organizations like the Arizona Builders Alliance to align curriculum with actual workforce needs. “These partnerships ensure training programs reflect current industry demands and technological requirements, preparing the workforce with quality education so that the individual and industry can succeed together,” she says.
“The Arizona Builders Alliance offers more than 30 educational and training opportunities aimed at maintaining competitiveness and mitigating contracting risks, supporting both current workers and those entering the field,” Davids relates, noting the focus extends beyond technical skills to include leadership development and management training. Programs also emphasize the evolution of construction work, preparing students for careers that integrate traditional building skills with advanced technology. “This approach ensures graduates can adapt to the changing tools and methods that define modern construction projects.”
A solid foundation of research supports these efforts. “The Office of Economic Opportunity plays a key role in this ecosystem by providing labor market data and analysis that helps educational institutions identify emerging trends and skill gaps,” Foote says. OEO’s December 2025 workforce evaluation reports offer critical insights into training program effectiveness, for instance, and the new Training-to-Job Alignment analysis measures how well occupational training connects to industries that hire program completers, ensuring education investments lead to employment in related fields. “These reports help educational institutions identify high-performing program areas and opportunities for improvement. For example, our analysis shows that training completers experience a 25% earnings premium five years post-exit compared to non-completers, with the strongest results among previously unemployed participants.”
“Greater Phoenix has not been immune to the worker shortages seen around the nation, and that’s why the work of educational institutes like ASU, UA, NAU, Creighton, GCU, MCCCD and trade schools like EVIT and West-MEC is so vital to the region,” Mackay says. She credits their inclusion of industry leaders in developing curriculum relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. “Curriculum across the region encompasses a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, aerospace and defense, and healthcare-related occupations, and are a massive source of workforce readiness for Greater Phoenix.”
Collaborative Partner: Business
“Businesses recognize the importance of investing in education and strengthening the talent pipeline, and the region’s collaborative nature has created programs to support this,” Mackay says. She shares several examples of such programs:
- In the Paradise Valley School District, the CREST program (Center for Research, Engineering, Science, and Technology) offers high school students opportunities to collaborate with university and industry professionals, and the district’s engineering program allows students to earn a variety of certificates.
- In the Chandler Unified School District, satellite CTE courses provide students with hands-on training in the tech sector with partnerships from companies that operate in the region, like Intel, Avnet and Microchip, as well as UA, ASU, NAU and others.
- Peoria Unified School District similarly offers a CTE program, which allows industry partners to work with students through curriculum review, advisory board guidance, job shadowing, internships and mentorship, and other areas.
- TSMC and Intel have partnered with Maricopa County Community Colleges to create the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start Program, discussed earlier in this article.
- To help with the demand and shortage of electricians, Rosendin Electric partnered with Grand Canyon University to create an Electrician Pathway program, to help better prepare individuals to enter their field. The program provides both classroom and on-site training.
Noting that Arizona businesses are increasingly taking proactive approaches to workforce development, Foote says, “We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how companies approach talent acquisition and development. Rather than simply competing for existing talent, more businesses are investing in creating their own talent pipelines. This includes a focus on transferable skills so people can more easily transition from industry to industry as they navigate their careers and shifting demands in emerging industries.”
She notes also that many businesses are implementing internal upskilling programs to help existing employees transition into higher-demand roles. “This strategy addresses immediate workforce needs while creating advancement opportunities that improve retention,” she says.
And, as previously discussed, companies in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors are working directly with community colleges to design curriculum that produces job-ready graduates — a response, Foote points out, to the projected growth in manufacturing jobs, which are expected to increase by 29,435 positions by 2034.
Dr. Spurgeon also credits employers with proactively investing in workforce strategies, calling attention to partnerships with high schools, youth apprenticeships and career exploration initiatives, along with internships, co-ops, and pre-apprenticeships that give students hands-on experience.
In fact, apprenticeship is getting a lot more interest these days, and the State of Arizona has stepped up to encourage it. Noting, “Employers are also embracing apprenticeship models that were once limited to traditional trades,” Foote points to the BuildItAZ initiative, which supports these efforts by providing grants to registered apprenticeship programs that create earn-while-you-learn opportunities. “This approach allows companies to develop talent while providing immediate employment opportunities,” she explains.
Observing, “Arizona is actively developing its own workforce through strategic training and apprenticeship programs,” Davids notes that, this year, the Arizona Builders Alliance will operate a statewide electrical apprenticeship program with plans to launch a mechanical program in addition to offering annual construction leadership development programs. “These initiatives focus on creating local talent rather than relying solely on imported workers.”
Speaking from her vantage as head of the Arizona Builders Alliance, Davids affirms that construction companies are implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure a strong and stable workforce to support Arizona’s growing number of projects. “Smart companies are focused on filling job openings with a qualified workforce and not simply filling seats.” Stating, “The ABA helps employees see the difference,” she explains, “One of the most important aspects of filling positions is providing quality education. With quality education comes a quality workforce.”
The Arizona Builders Alliance leads these efforts through expanded apprenticeship programs and educational outreach to high school and college students. These programs emphasize the technological sophistication of modern construction and the earning potential in skilled trades.
“Arizona’s construction industry continues to evolve with growing workforce opportunities,” Davids says. “While companies are managing generational transitions as experienced professionals reach retirement age, the industry is actively developing innovative solutions to maintain project delivery excellence. This strategic workforce development ensures developers and owners can confidently bring new projects to Arizona, knowing skilled teams will complete them on time and on budget.”
Educational efforts are only part of the workforce strategy. Awareness is another. Observing, “The industry has transformed dramatically, moving far beyond traditional perceptions,” Davids relates that technology and innovation have revolutionized construction into a highly desirable career path with competitive compensation. “This evolution is attracting increasing interest from Gen Z workers.”
Outreach efforts target younger generations, particularly focusing on changing perceptions about construction careers, and Davids shares, “Industry leaders emphasize the emotional intelligence and leadership capacity they observe in young people, expressing confidence in their ability to navigate technological changes and industry challenges.”
Women represent a significant growth opportunity for the construction workforce, and Davids reports the industry is making substantial progress in attracting women to the trades through targeted outreach initiatives. “Programs like Arizona Construction Career Days, a partnership between the Arizona Builders Alliance and numerous industry organizations, introduce thousands of high school students to construction career opportunities each year. These early engagement efforts are changing perceptions about construction being exclusively a man’s profession and showcasing the industry’s commitment to building a diverse, skilled workforce for the future.”
Collaborative Partner: State of Arizona
“The state’s strategic initiatives focus heavily on developing Arizona’s existing workforce,” Foote says. She points to the Talent Ready AZ Initiative, launched by Governor Hobbs, that coordinates cabinet resources to connect Arizonans with education and training for good-paying jobs in growing industries. “The Workforce Arizona Council guides this work by creating the vision for federal workforce funding and ensuring programs meet industry needs,” she explains.
The Task Force includes representation from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Department of Economic Security, Board of Regents, Department of Education, and community college districts. “By integrating key data elements from these agencies, we support more informed policy and funding decisions that promote quality jobs and long-term impact.”
Noting most employment opportunity is being created in healthcare, construction and manufacturing — adding, “We’re also seeing substantial growth among microbusinesses, which indicates entrepreneurship’s increasing importance in Arizona’s economy” — she says, “The demand spans across skill levels but shows particular strength in specialized technical roles.”
In healthcare, for instance, OEO is seeing critical needs for direct care workers, who provide essential services to our most vulnerable populations, and these positions serve as entry points into healthcare careers with clear pathways for advancement. “The recent Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative aims to address critical shortages in rural communities by expanding training programs and offering loan repayment incentives for healthcare professionals who commit to serving these areas.”
Foote also cites the afore-mentioned ReadyTechGo program, addressing the resurgence in manufacturing that has created significant demand for technicians skilled in automation and robotics. “This program specifically targets the 162,000-plus manufacturing jobs in Arizona’s electric vehicle, defense, and semiconductor sectors, enabling Arizona to fill these positions with homegrown talent.” And strong growth is projected through 2032.
Apprenticeship is mentioned by many contributors to this article. A big player in apprenticeship is the State of Arizona through its BuildItAZ initiative, a program launched in 2023 to fill 20,000 construction jobs by 2030 identified in Talent Ready AZ by the governor’s office of strategic initiatives. “The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative trains Arizona residents for construction careers through its ‘earn-while-you-learn’ model,” Foote explains. The program provides financial assistance for first-year tuition, books, and tools for roughly 250 new apprentices annually, removing barriers that previously prevented Arizonans from entering these fields. The initiative has allocated more than $650,000 in grants to five construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs, with funds supporting instructor hiring and equipment purchases to expand training capacity. Last month, Governor Hobbs awarded a third round of BuildItAZ funding — $3 million, in federally-funded grants to boost Arizona’s construction and skilled trades pipeline.
“The construction sector’s robust growth creates opportunities for apprentices across all trades. Through Governor Hobbs’ Office and OEO, we’re expanding access to registered apprenticeship programs for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and heavy equipment operators,” says Foote. To date, the initiative has successfully added thousands of active construction and trades registered apprentices with earn-while-you-learn career pathways that are jobs from day one, with competitive wages, and nationally recognized credentials.
Pointing to OEO’s December 2025 Integrated Data System, which reports provide crucial insights into workforce program effectiveness, and the new Training-to-Job Alignment analysis, which ensures workforce investments direct participants toward high-opportunity sectors, Foote says, “This data-driven approach improves outcomes for both workers and employers by creating more direct pathways from training to employment.”
And she notes, “This balanced strategy supports both immediate workforce needs and long-term economic resilience by creating sustainable career pathways for Arizona residents while welcoming talent that accelerates our economic growth.”
[Editor’s Note: Avnet creates a unique opportunity as it addresses today’s jobs/workforce challenges. See this companion story, “Avnet, Job Trends and Best Buddies.”]
