PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs announced on Friday that a $1 million in funding will go toward expanding trade apprenticeship programs across the state.
The funding is in partnership with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, which is an effort to create a pipeline of skilled workers through construction and trade apprenticeship programs.
The initiative has provided close to 3,000 Arizonans with apprenticeships, according to the Office of the Governor.
“Arizona is one of the fastest growing states in the nation. Businesses of all shapes and sizes are moving here, expanding here and that means more jobs, more opportunity for Arizonans to access family sustaining careers,” Hobbs said during a press conference.
Details on Hobbs’ trade apprenticeship initiative
The announcement comes on the heels of the first round of program funding for $650,000.
One of the goals of the program is to bring more opportunities for women to join the construction and trade fields.
Last year, Soraida Romero was a graduate of the Laborers Apprenticeship Program and is now a foreman working on a project for Intel. She was brought to the U.S. when she was nine years old. Romero shared the impact the program has had on her.
“Before my apprenticeship program, I was in a job where I had no future and not making enough money to support my family, but this apprenticeship program has changed that,” Romero said during the press conference.”. “Hard work has always been a strong family value that has passed down to me. Having a career that allows me to provide for my family and while I’m giving back to my community is so important.”
Romero’s apprenticeship program was one of seven companies to receive the funding.
Which trade apprenticeship programs received the funding?
- Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America, Inc Apprenticeship Trust Fund
- Boilermakers Local 627
- Laborer’s Training School and Retraining Trust Fund
- Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
- Sundt Construction
- Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program
- Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc
The grant will cover tuition, tools and books, hiring additional instructors and training equipment, according to Hobbs. Additionally, Hobbs announced a third round of future funding for the program, at $3 million, which is the largest amount to date.
The goal is to have 8,700 apprentices by the end of next year.
“These funds will expand apprenticeship opportunities, empower more women to enter the construction industry, and provide Spanish-speaking residents in Maricopa County with accessible training and career pathways,” Sundt Senior VP and Chief HR Officer Nicole Calamaio said.
“This investment strengthens our commitment to build a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”
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