Arizona continues to set a high bar for economic development, earning national recognition for its forward-thinking workforce training programs. Business Facilities Magazine recently honored Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators, acknowledging their significant impact on local industries and communities.
For the second consecutive year, Arizona has been highlighted by Business Facilities Magazine for its innovative approach to economic development. The magazine’s Economic Development Organization (EDO) Awards celebrate initiatives that promote capital investment, job creation, and overall quality of life. Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators stood out among the winners, showcasing the state’s commitment to building a robust skilled workforce.
Governor Katie Hobbs praised the achievement, stating, “Arizona is setting a new standard for workforce excellence with the state-of-the-art workforce programs. The Future48 Workforce Accelerators will train Arizonans with the skills needed to support growing industries such as manufacturing, semiconductors, batteries, automotive, and more. I’m grateful to the Arizona Commerce Authority and our local community colleges for their efforts to strengthen our skilled workforce.”
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, added, “We’re honored Arizona has been recognized for our workforce development efforts with the Future48 Workforce Accelerators. The accelerators serve as a national best practice for workforce development, bringing together government, education, and industry to develop effective solutions to meet the needs of industry. We’re thankful to Governor Hobbs, our community colleges, and many partners for their continued support.”
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are inspired by the successful Drive48 facility in Pinal County, a collaborative effort between the ACA, Central Arizona College, Pinal County, the City of Casa Grande, and Lucid. Drive48 boasts multiple assembly robots and individual training rooms to prepare workers for automotive manufacturing jobs. Since its inception in 2021, Drive48 has seen over 2,400 students graduate.
Building on this success, Arizona has launched four additional Future48 Workforce Accelerators since 2023:
- Battery-focused Accelerator – Partnered with Pinal County, Central Arizona College, LG Energy Solution, and the Arizona Commerce Authority, this center trains workers in the manufacturing process of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries.
- Semiconductor Accelerator – In collaboration with Maricopa Community Colleges, this accelerator supports the state’s booming semiconductor industry.
- Yuma Accelerator – Partnering with Arizona Western College, this center offers training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation to support the region’s aerospace and defense industries.
- Kingman Accelerator – Working with Mohave Community College, this facility at Kingman Airport and Industrial Park supports the region’s manufacturing, transportation, and mining industries.
Last year, Arizona was also recognized for its growth in the semiconductor industry, leading the nation with over $100 billion in investments announced since 2020.
Arizona’s business landscape continues to thrive, with these workforce training centers playing a crucial role in preparing the local workforce for the demands of modern industries. As Arizona garners national attention for its economic development initiatives, it solidifies its reputation as a hub for innovation and growth.
