COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN ARIZONA EXPAND WORKFORCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS

Accelerator Projects: A Trifecta of Government, Private Industry, and Education Since 2021

Community colleges in Arizona are witnessing a rise in programs focused on “workforce accelerators.” This initiative gained momentum with former Governor Doug Ducey, who, on March 31, 2021, joined local elected leaders in Pinal County to inaugurate a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing training center in Coolidge, Arizona. Named Drive48, the facility was described as representing a groundbreaking collaboration among government, industry, and academia, aimed at strengthening Arizona’s workforce training for high-tech jobs.

The Drive48 project was also described as complementing the Arizona Advanced Technology Network curriculum, a pioneering partnership developed by Arizona’s employers, public sector, and academic institutions. This collaboration was designed to address the demand for high-tech manufacturing skills both now and in the future. Central Arizona College, one of three community colleges involved, worked closely with numerous manufacturers to develop a unified, industry-recognized curriculum specifically tailored to enhance skills training for manufacturing jobs.

On June 29, 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona announced two new workforce partnerships, which will provide advanced skills training in rural areas. These programs, collectively known as Future48, will be launched in Kingman and Yuma, Arizona. They mark the inauguration of the first two of up to six Future48 Workforce Accelerators, overseen by the Arizona Commerce Authority in collaboration with higher education and industry partners.

The Kingman accelerator, established in partnership with Mohave Community College, will support the region’s growing manufacturing, transportation, and mining industries. It will be housed in a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 30,000 square feet at the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park. Notable industry partners include NUCOR Steel, Kingman and Mohave Manufacturing Association (KAMMA), Progressive Pipe, Arizona Sommers Cooling and Heating, and more.

The Yuma Future48 Workforce Accelerator, launched in partnership with Arizona Western College, will provide workforce training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation, catering to the aerospace and defense industries in the region. The collaboration involves a 5,600-square-foot expansion of the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center located on the Arizona Western College campus.

Furthermore, on July 10, Governor Katie Hobbs announced an investment of $1.7 million in state funding for Pima Community College’s workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs. Pima Community College takes pride in its Automotive Technology and Innovation Center, a two-story, 50,000-square-foot facility opened in 2021. It houses automotive technology programs covering diesel, electric, and autonomous vehicles, providing training for leading brands such as Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, and Subaru. Additionally, Pima Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing facility, valued at $35 million and spanning 100,000 square feet, offers programs in mining technology, manufacturing, metalworking, robotics, machine technology, and more.