PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs announced Thursday that Arizona’s BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative has connected nearly 3,000 Arizonans to construction and trade apprenticeships since its launch in 2023. She also revealed over $1 million in new grants awarded to seven registered apprenticeship programs across the state, with an additional $3 million in new funding set to continue expanding Arizona’s construction workforce.
“Creating opportunity for working-class Arizonans is critical to realizing the Arizona Promise,” Hobbs said. “Increasing construction apprentices is core to building Arizona’s future.”
The BuildItAZ Initiative aims to double the number of construction apprentices in Arizona by 2026. Active apprentices have already grown from 4,350 to 7,252, with a goal of reaching 8,700 by next year to help meet the state’s projected need for 20,000 construction workers by 2030.
Second-round BuildItAZ grants are supporting programs such as the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors Apprenticeship Trust Fund, Boilermakers Local 627, and Sundt Construction. Funds are being used to recruit apprentices, cover tuition costs, provide equipment, and support services like childcare and transportation.
“This investment strengthens our commitment to build a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve,” said Nicole Calamaio, senior vice president at Sundt Construction.
In addition to new funding, the Office of Economic Opportunity will soon launch a multimedia campaign to recruit more women and Spanish-speaking Arizonans into construction careers.
For more information about the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, visit BuildItAZ.az.gov.
