Governor Hobbs announces Future48 workforce accelerators in Yuma, Kingman
New workforce development facilities to provide customized training for advanced manufacturing in rural Arizona
PHOENIX, AZ (June 29, 2023) – With advanced manufacturing jobs plentiful, Governor Hobbs announced today two new workforce partnerships to provide advanced skills training in rural Arizona. The new training programs, known as Future48 Workforce Accelerators, will launch in Kingman and Yuma, the first of up to six new Future48 Workforce Accelerators to be overseen by the Arizona Commerce Authority in coordination with higher education and industry partners.
Between 2017 and 2021, manufacturing employment in Arizona increased by 12%, the third-fastest in the country (Lightcast). Arizona’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sectors include semiconductors, bioscience, battery and automotive, aerospace and defense, renewable energy, and more, with demand for skilled workers also growing.
"Arizona has become an epicenter of emerging technologies, which brings good-paying jobs in durable industries, but we also need to make sure our economic boom benefits Arizonans all across our state," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "That’s why I'm proud to announce the launch of these two manufacturing workforce accelerators in Yuma and Kingman, which will provide new opportunities to reach all of our workforce and diverse communities."
The Yuma Future48 Workforce Accelerator, launched in partnership with Arizona Western College, will offer workforce training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation in support of the region’s aerospace and defense industries. The partnership will include a 5,600-square-foot expansion of the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center on the Arizona Western College campus. Industry partners will include TRAX International, the United States Army Yuma Proving Ground, the General Motor Proving Grounds, the Gowan Company, Allo Fiber, D&H Electric, Sunray Electric, Yuma Electric and more. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.
“AWC is proud to partner with Arizona Commerce Authority and Governor Hobbs for this Future48 Workforce Accelerator,” said Dr. Daniel Corr, President, Arizona Western College. “This is an example of the college’s commitment to create and support the vibrant diversified economy of our state and enhance workforce development. We expect this Accelerator to transform the training and opportunities of our growing and skilled workforce. These funds will provide an opportunity for thousands of more Arizonans to prepare for high-wage, high-skill jobs through community colleges.”
Established in partnership with Mohave Community College, the Kingman accelerator will support the region’s growing manufacturing, transportation, and mining industries. The accelerator will comprise a more than 30,000 square-foot facility at Kingman Airport and Industrial Park, with industry partners to include NUCOR Steel, Kingman And Mohave Manufacturing Association (KAMMA), Progressive Pipe, Arizona Sommers Cooling and Heating and more. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025.
"Mohave Community College is honored to receive funds to help us build the first Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Northwest Arizona and are grateful for the support of the Arizona Commerce Authority and Governor Hobbs,” said Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, President, Mohave Community College. “Mohave County continues to see massive industry-sector growth and this new educational center will help us provide the necessary training to meet the workforce needs, produce higher wage jobs and encourage economic prosperity for this region. Companies like Progressive Pipe and NUCOR Steel and the KAMMA organization are ready to partner with us to ensure a skilled workforce for the future.”
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are part of a $30 million investment approved by the State of Arizona in 2022 to build up to six advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges. The program is 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. Since 2021, more than 2,000 students have graduated from Drive48.
“In Arizona, we are known for our innovative and forward-thinking workforce development models that scale talent quickly to meet industry needs,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The Future48 Workforce Accelerators represent Arizona’s latest workforce advancement, connecting students with the skills and know-how needed for jobs in the state’s growing advanced manufacturing industry.”
With a fast growing population and excellent higher education institutions, Arizona is consistently recognized as a leading state for workforce development. According to Lightcast, Maricopa County ranks no. 1 for Talent Attraction and Retention, while the state holds the 4th-highest growth in education attainment and the 5th-highest growth in skilled jobs.