The Arizona Commerce Authority has opened Future48 Workforce Accelerator, a battery-focused accelerator to provide workforce training focused on the manufacturing process of cylindrical batteries used for electric vehicles and other applications. Specifically, as the program is designed to develop regional talent who will join LG Energy Solution’s Queen Creek facility after completion, members of LG Energy Solution Arizona will provide hands-on training for the 19,850-square-foot facility’s manufacturing equipment and safety processes and incorporate simulation technology for personnel training.
As the company’s first cylindrical battery plant in the U.S., the facility will deliver its state-of-the-art 46-Series cylindrical batteries to renowned automakers, bringing well-paying, high-quality jobs to the community along the way.
The accelerator is located at Central Arizona College’s Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction; opened in conjunction with Pinal County, Central Arizona College, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and LG Energy Solution, it marks the second training center launched in partnership with Central Arizona College and Pinal County. In 2021, Arizona launched Drive48, the inaugural Future48 Workforce Accelerator, an automotive training assembly facility in Coolidge with partners including 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 students for jobs in automotive assembly manufacturing.
“We will create 1,500 new employment opportunities overall by 2027, significantly thriving the local economy and further cementing Arizona’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing,” says Richard Ra, president of LG Energy Solution Arizona. “This workforce training center at CAC will be a cornerstone of our effort, preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow for Arizonans by awakening their infinite potential.”
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are modeled after the successful Drive48 facility in Pinal County. Since launching in 2021, more than 2,000 students have graduated from that program, with many currently working at Lucid’s advanced manufacturing plant in Casa Grande.
