PHOENIX ~ Phoenix, Arizona - The construction industry in Arizona is set to receive a boost as Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced a $1 million funding for the next phase of the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative. This initiative aims to connect Arizonans with the necessary skills for construction and trades jobs.

The BuildItAZ program was launched by Governor Hobbs in 2023 and has since seen an increase in enrollment of construction and trades apprentices. This progress is in line with the administration's goal to double the number of registered apprentices in these fields by 2026. To continue this positive trend, OEO will be granting $1 million in federal workforce funds to registered apprenticeship programs. These funds will be used to recruit more apprentices, retain those already enrolled, and provide additional support services such as childcare and transportation.

Last week, Governor Hobbs participated in a roundtable listening session with construction and building trades apprentices as well as leaders from registered apprenticeship programs. This allowed her to gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by those in these industries.

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In early 2025, OEO will be seeking industry partners to launch an outreach and public information campaign for BuildItAZ. The aim is to recruit more apprentices, particularly women, into well-paying careers in construction.

Governor Hobbs expressed her commitment to building a strong construction talent pipeline that can meet the demands of Arizona's growing state. She stated that apprenticeships provide economic opportunities for Arizonans from day one, offer good wages, and teach valuable skills that lead to family-supporting careers. With this new funding, she believes they are strengthening their investment in Arizona's workforce and economy.

Carlos Contreras, Director of OEO, also emphasized their commitment to workforce development and the future of Arizona's construction and trades sector through this investment in BuildItAZ. He noted that the initiative has already seen significant growth in its first year, with over 1,000 new construction apprentices enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs. He expects this number to increase after the next grant round opens in December.

The initiative has already invested approximately $650,000 to assist five organizations in expanding registered apprenticeship training opportunities and improving program effectiveness. This funding has directly supported over 500 apprentices with critical needs such as tools, boots, books, tuition, and program support.

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Shawn Hutchinson of Phoenix Electrical JATC Apprenticeship Program, a BuildItAZ grantee, shared how the grant has improved their ability to provide high-quality electrical training. They have enhanced their curriculum by integrating more hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. This has allowed them to produce the most qualified and safety-conscious electrical workers in the industry.

Allison Moore, Human Resources Manager at Rummel Construction, also praised the BuildItAZ grants for elevating their apprenticeship programs and strengthening their workforce. She stated that these improvements have resulted in a more robust program that empowers them to deliver innovative solutions in heavy civil construction.

The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative aims to create more opportunities for employers and apprentices in Arizona by adding thousands of additional active apprentices by 2026. The initiative was developed through a workgroup of leaders from various sectors operating under the leadership of the Governor's Workforce Arizona Council.

The second round of BuildItAZ grants will be funded by federal grant funding through OEO. Interested parties can visit OEO's website at oeo.az.gov for more information about the initiative and to apply for grants starting on Monday, December 3rd.

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