With a growing and skilled workforce, top education institutions and global industry leaders, Arizona launched the latest training facility for its nationally-recognized workforce development program.
Joined by industry, education, and government leaders, Governor Katie Hobbs today announced the launch of an aerospace & defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa. Representing a partnership between Governor Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), and industry partners Boeing and Honeywell, the Accelerator will provide hands-on training to prepare students for in-demand careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Governor Hobbs was joined by Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson, Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board President Susan Bitter Smith, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Interim President CJ Wurster, and representatives from Boeing and Honeywell which partnered on the facility’s design and training focus.
“Realizing the Arizona Promise means connecting Arizonans to family-sustaining jobs of the future,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This new program, which is part of my administration’s ongoing commitment to growing our workforce, will create pathways for our community college students to launch careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing. Through partnerships like this one, Arizona will remain at the forefront of a critical industry that helps keep us safe and secure.”
The first-of-its-kind aerospace and defense-focused fab facility will open in the fall of 2026 at CGCC’s Williams campus, training students for careers in Arizona’s robust aerospace and defense industry.
“We are excited to launch the aerospace and defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator in support of our robust aerospace and defense industry,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The Accelerator demonstrates Arizona’s continued commitment to provide hands-on, skilled training for high-tech and growing industries. We’re grateful to all of our partners including Governor Hobbs, Maricopa County Community College District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Boeing, Honeywell and more for their support.”
Supported by an over $6 million investment from the ACA, the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator combines expert-led instruction with hands-on training to meet the growing demand for highly-skilled aviation mechanics and technicians. The training facility will feature cutting-edge labs with industry-standard equipment and flexible training spaces to seamlessly transition between lectures and skill-based learning including electrical assembly, mechanical assembly and wiring.
“We are incredibly honored to be selected for a second Future48 Workforce Accelerator,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “Through this opportunity, our system will provide critical education and training required by today’s aerospace and defense manufacturing workforce. We look forward to empowering individuals and driving innovation in this high-demand industry.”
“Chandler-Gilbert Community College has over 30 years of experience offering training and working with leading Aviation Industry partners to meet workforce needs and offer high-quality programs to students in the Aviation space,” said Dr. CJ Wurster, CGCC Interim President. “We are so honored to continue leading the way and expanding our impact through this partnership and the future work of the Aerospace and Defense Accelerator.”
“Boeing has proudly been a cornerstone employer in Arizona for over four decades, harnessing a highly skilled workforce that is at the forefront of innovation,” said Christina Upah, Vice President, Attack Helicopter Program and Sr. Mesa Site Executive, Boeing. “We applaud Arizona for recognizing the vital importance of building strong community partnerships to meet the growing demand for talent in the state’s manufacturing and engineering sectors, particularly in the aerospace industry.”
“As an aerospace and defense leader in Arizona for generations, Honeywell Aerospace couldn’t be more proud to help shape Arizona’s future through the Future48 Workforce Accelerator,” said Jim Currier, President and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Today’s students are the future of the aviation industry workforce, and we’re honored to help train those students and prepare them for rewarding careers.”
Arizona is a central hub for the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industry, with over 1,200 companies including The Boeing Company, Honeywell Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Northrup Grumman and more that contribute nearly $15 billion to the economy annually. This sector is crucial to Arizona’s economy, with a strong demand for skilled professionals in aviation mechanics, electrical and mechanical assembly, wiring, and composites. The state ranks among the top five in the country for the largest aerospace and defense employment, with over 62,000 Arizonans employed in the industry.
Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported through a $30 million investment from the ACA to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges. The newest aerospace and defense Workforce Accelerator follows the previously-announced semiconductor accelerator launched in partnership with GateWay Community College, battery accelerator launched in partnership with Pinal County and Central Arizona College, and rural accelerators in Yuma and Kingman.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are modeled after the successful Drive48 facility in Pinal County. A collaboration between the ACA, Central Arizona College, Pinal County, the City of Casa Grande, and Lucid, Drive48 features multiple assembly robots and individual training rooms to prepare workers for jobs in automotive manufacturing.
