As Community College Month continues, Maricopa Community Colleges is leading the charge in strengthening Arizona’s workforce through program offerings and industry partnerships. This week, college and system leaders joined local elected officials and industry giants to highlight in-demand training programs and new workforce initiatives.
Events like these highlight the critical role of community colleges as gateways to higher education and career success. Maricopa Community Colleges offers all students, regardless of background, an entry point to affordable and accessible learning pathways and hands-on training. With strong connections to businesses and industry leaders, the 10-college system develops programs that prepare students for the state’s growing labor demands.
Stanton visits Mesa Community College to see students in action
On Wednesday, April 16, Congressman Greg Stanton toured Mesa Community College’s (MCC) state-of-the-art nursing facilities and robotics and automation labs. The visit showcased the system’s role in educating Arizona’s essential workers and fueling in-demand advanced manufacturing industries.
The big picture
As the largest integrated healthcare education system, Maricopa Community Colleges play a vital role in healthcare education by offering over 70 Health Sciences programs across its 10 colleges and skill centers, producing nearly one-third of Arizona’s nurses.
- Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing at eight of the system’s 10 colleges.
- Students with an AAS in Nursing can transfer to GateWay Community College to earn their Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN).
RN jobs are projected to grow 6% this decade, with the top 10% earning more than $120,000 annually. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees earn nearly double the salary of their peers without one. Maricopa Community Colleges' programs are an affordable option for career advancement and are essential for meeting Arizona’s growing healthcare demands.
Through its Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) program offered at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and MCC, Maricopa Community Colleges has been instrumental in preparing students for in-demand, high-wage careers in advanced manufacturing. The program is part of the statewide ReadyTechGo network of Arizona community colleges and collaborates with industry-leading companies such as Boeing and Raytheon to develop curriculum that meets their workforce needs. Graduates enter the workforce job-ready in as little as two weeks or pursue an associate degree in two years.
Apprenticeships built for the future
On Thursday, April 17, EMCC and Rio Salado College (RSC) leaders joined Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) executives and City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego to announce new apprentices and partnerships.
Why it matters
Arizona is a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, exporting $3.9 billion in semiconductors and other electronic components in 2023. Ranked No.2 in semiconductor manufacturing employment, the industry requires a workforce with post-secondary credentials. To support the sector, Maricopa Community Colleges offers 31 certificate and degree programs aligned with semiconductor manufacturing.
- Students can train for entry-level semiconductor technician positions in 10 days through the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, EMCC, and MCC.
- With funding from Natcast, the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start will expand to Glendale Community College, ensuring geographic coverage throughout the Valley.
- Students can earn an AAS in Semiconductor Manufacturing at RSC.
- The Semiconductor-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator will feature a full-size mock clean room for practical training.
By 2030, the workforce is expected to increase by nearly 115,000 jobs, with the top 10% earning an average of $96,700 per year.
As Arizona’s largest workforce development provider, Maricopa Community Colleges continues to support regional workforce needs through industry-aligned partnerships and degree and certificate programs. Learn more at maricopa.edu/indstry.