State Agencies Race to Meet Growing Demand for Apprenticeships

Arizona is experiencing a significant surge in the demand for construction, electrical, and plumbing workers. Multiple state agencies are collaborating to meet this demand through apprenticeship programs.

Data from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) indicates that approximately 20,000 new construction workers will be needed by 2030. This demand is driven by growth in other sectors, including manufacturing and health care. The OEO, along with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and additional agencies, identifies apprenticeships as a crucial method for training and employing these workers.

Carlos Contreras, director of the OEO, stated that under Governor Katie Hobbs’ leadership, the state has initiated efforts to double the number of registered construction apprenticeships by 2026. He attributes this growing need to recent investments in industries like semiconductor manufacturing.

“Any type of investment coming into the state begins with construction projects,” Contreras explained. “From schools to hospitals and roadways, we require more construction workers.”

Contreras highlighted several areas where the state is working to enhance apprenticeship programs. These include providing funding for salaries, increasing capacity, and focusing on recruitment from underrepresented groups such as women and tribal members.

One notable challenge is raising awareness about apprenticeship opportunities among Arizonans. “If you don’t grow up in the industry, you just don’t know,” Contreras remarked. Through various programs, the state aims to educate potential apprentices on the benefits and career paths available.

An outreach campaign is set to launch early next year to boost awareness about various apprenticeship programs. Additionally, new programs are being introduced regularly, with Governor Hobbs recently announcing four new initiatives in the semiconductor sector in collaboration with the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

“With strong partners like TSMC, Arizona is leading workforce training initiatives that align with the needs of the private sector,” Hobbs noted in a statement released on November 19.

Joann Bueno, the state apprenticeship program director at the Arizona Department of Economic Security, emphasized the rising demand for electrical and plumbing workers in construction. Some of this demand arises from an aging workforce, creating a knowledge gap that apprentices must fill.

“We cannot wait for current workers to retire,” Bueno stated. “We need to create opportunities for youth to explore these careers while still in high school through pre-apprenticeship programs.”

Arizona is adopting a comprehensive approach to address workforce shortages in construction. “We are facing workforce shortages across the nation, which presents a significant challenge,” Bueno added. “Arizona is actively seeking solutions.”

As National Apprenticeship Week marks its 10th anniversary, Arizona has celebrated its own version since the 1950s. “Apprenticeship is beneficial for both employers and job seekers,” she concluded. “It provides paid employment opportunities while allowing individuals to gain valuable skills.”