Expanding opportunities to industry-led, earn-while-you-learn construction career pathways.

Construction is a foundational industry for Arizona’s economy. As Arizona grows, it needs a skilled construction workforce to support new projects including everything from new roads and schools, to facilities for companies in booming industries like semiconductors, healthcare, and more. Starting in 2023, Governor Hobbs and the Office of Economic Opportunity have invested $2.5M and counting of federal workforce funding in the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative. By 2026, these efforts will result in 9,000 additional apprentices in construction and building, contributing to the goal of filling 20,000 construction jobs by 2030.

Goals

Double the number of construction and trades registered apprentices by the end of 2026
Increase and create pathways to effective pre-apprenticeship programs, especially for women and other underrepresented learners in the trades
Update existing registered programs’ rules and regulations to reflect current market trends and best practices
Create an apprenticeship grants office to secure funding that expands apprenticeship programs, and direct agencies for the first time to actively apply for federal apprenticeship funds
Increase funding and develop strategies for meeting increasing green economy workforce demands and filling green jobs
Increase the number of adults in Arizona with industry-recognized credentials

This generous funding has become a beacon of hope for our aspiring apprentices, especially those hailing from disadvantaged communities.

Shawn Hutchinson, Phoenix Electrical JATC Apprenticeship Program Director

Our goal is to provide our students with the necessary skill, knowledge and experience to be a successful craftsman in the electrical field.

Karen King, Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program Training Director

Education and Outreach Campaign

Goal

Deploy a multimedia campaign to raise awareness about career opportunities for women in construction and trades, connecting them to registered apprenticeship programs or other opportunities.

Objectives

Highlight the benefits of working in construction
Address misconceptions
Encourage women to pursue careers in the construction industry ultimately assisting in filling the thousands of projected job openings in construction in the future.

Components

Strategic Campaign Coordination
Creative Development
Messaging and Testing
Digital Media Strategy
Public Relations and Community Engagement
Outreach Partnerships, Events and
Hands-On Activities
Measurement and Reporting
Sustainable community alliances

Grants to on-the-job training registered apprenticeship training programs

$636,000 funded five registered apprenticeship organizations in Maricopa and Pima Counties, expanding training opportunities. This investment supported instructors, outreach, curriculum development, stipends, program expansion, and supplies. 503 individuals, mainly from underserved communities, benefited, leading to higher graduation rates and union apprenticeship membership or construction industry education.
$130,000 funded equipment and supplies for Pima County Community & Workforce Development’s MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship program, providing hands-on training and pathways to apprenticeships.
$178,000 funded a new construction program at Barry Goldwater High School, earning students NCCER certification and promoting local business and industry partnerships.
$1 Million in federal workforce funds allocated to registered apprenticeship programs for recruitment, retention, and wrap-around services like childcare and transportation.

Capacity Grantees

Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council

Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

The Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Arizona

Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

In the News

Governor Katie Hobbs with BuildItAZ Apprentices

Governor Katie Hobbs Announces $1 Million to Expand BuildItAZ Apprenticeships to Reach More Arizonans

November 25, 2024

Funds will continue to strengthen Arizona’s construction talent pipeline with a focus on women Phoenix, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) today announced $1 million in funding for the next phase of the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative (BuildItAZ), which aims to connect Arizonans with the skills they need for construction and trades jobs. After the

Arizona Announces BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative Grant Awards to Expand the Construction and Trades Workforce

April 30, 2024

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Hobbs is announcing more than $650,000 in grant awards to five construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs. This round is the first phase of Governor Hobbs multi faceted BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative to advance the state’s skilled construction workforce. The initiative aims to double the number of construction trades registered apprentices by 2026 to

$500K Available to Expand Registered Construction and Trades Apprenticeship Programs

March 7, 2024

First round of funding to grow and retain construction workforce as part of Governor Hobbs' goal to double apprentices by 2026 The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) is now accepting grant applications for the expansion of registered construction and trades apprenticeship programs. As announced by Governor Hobbs in August 2023, these capacity grants are the first funding opportunity

For more information

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