Arizona Expands Workforce Training with New Pinal County Accelerator
In a move designed to support Arizona’s burgeoning battery manufacturing sector, a new Future48 Workforce Accelerator is set to launch in Pinal County. This initiative, announced by Governor Hobbs, underscores Arizona’s commitment to workforce development in high-demand industries.
Developed through a collaboration between Pinal County, Central Arizona College, LG Energy Solution, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., Design Systems Inc. (DSI), and Architekton Architects, this accelerator will focus on training workers in the manufacturing of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are pivotal for electric vehicles and other tech applications. The program will also integrate hands-on training with LGES manufacturing equipment and use virtual reality for enhanced safety process training.
Arizona’s job growth has been non-stop, and this new partnership is another sign we have no intention of taking our foot off the gas,
stated Governor Katie Hobbs. She emphasized the importance of community colleges in advancing the state’s workforce and expressed gratitude to LG Energy Solution for their continued support.
The initiative includes the construction of a new 19,850-square-foot facility at Central Arizona College’s Superstition Mountain Campus in Apache Junction, with an expected completion date of December 2024. This facility will accommodate hundreds of students at a time, preparing them for careers in battery manufacturing.
Dr. Jackie Elliott, President/CEO of Central Arizona College, remarked, Central Arizona College is pleased to be a partner in creating a world class learner environment where future students will learn the latest LGES manufacturing technology from industry experts.
The aim is to provide workforce development opportunities that benefit both Pinal County and the broader state of Arizona.
Mike Goodman, Supervisor-District 2 and Chairman of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, added, We recognize the need to create training opportunities to support these innovative new roles in the battery industry.
He highlighted the importance of the accelerator in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills for advanced manufacturing jobs.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators represent a $30 million investment to establish advanced manufacturing training facilities in partnership with community colleges across Arizona. This latest addition in Pinal County follows other successful accelerators, including the semiconductor accelerator with Maricopa Community Colleges and rural programs in Yuma and Kingman.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are inspired by the successful Drive48 facility in Pinal County, which has been instrumental in preparing workers for automotive manufacturing jobs. Since its inception, Drive48 has graduated over 2,400 students.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the new battery-focused accelerator, stating, The new battery-focused accelerator showcases Arizona’s commitment to creating innovative, results-oriented workforce solutions that meet the needs of industry and offer accessible skills-training opportunities for Arizona residents.
Mike Gonzalez, Vice President with McCarthy Building Companies’ Southwest Region, emphasized the significance of this investment in securing Arizona’s future as a leader in advanced manufacturing, highlighting the collaborative efforts to build high-tech Educational facilities across the state.
Arizona’s reputation as a leader in workforce development is consistently recognized, with Maricopa County ranking No. 1 for Talent Attraction and Retention, and the state ranking No. 3 nationally for workforce development by CNBC in 2023.
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