This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
On Monday, November 13, 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs visited South Mountain Community College (SMCC) to promote the BuilditAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Governor’s Office, business, industry, and community leaders to strengthen Arizona’s construction trades and apprenticeship programs.
“The hands-on learning experience provided through apprenticeships, while earning a salary and gaining invaluable on-the-job experience, is one of the best tools we have to grow and retain our workforce,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Demand is higher than ever, and as Governor, I will work tirelessly to make sure Arizonans have the skills they need to take full advantage of everything Arizona has to offer.”
As Arizona’s leading provider of workforce development training programs, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is proud to support the BuilditAZ Apprenticeship Initiative. To offer broader access to the Construction Trades programs, MCCCD now offers the program at four of the System’s ten colleges, including GateWay Community College, Mesa Community College, Rio Salado Community College, and South Mountain Community College.
“Maricopa County is currently experiencing a high demand for construction jobs, surpassing the national average with over 700 jobs each month,” said MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Steven. R. Gonzales. “Addressing the urgent need for skilled construction trades professionals, Maricopa Community Colleges provides students with hands-on learning experiences taught by industry professionals, serving as a pipeline for employers seeking a highly skilled workforce.”
As more corporations relocate to Arizona, the demand for construction jobs will continue to increase. As the current workforce is poised to retire in the coming years, Maricopa Community Colleges will play a vital role in training and preparing Arizona's next generation of construction trades workers.
Learn more about Maricopa Community Colleges’ Constructions Trades Programs.