Phoenix, AZ – Yesterday, to kick off National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Katie Hobbs announced additional steps to expand construction apprentices in Arizona. Building off of the initial $500,000 investment in the BuilditAZ Initiative that was launched in August, the state will invest an additional $1.25 million into the effort.

The funds will go towards a targeted outreach campaign informing Arizonans of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs available, and the creation of a Workforce Grants Office to work with local and regional partners to secure federal workforce grants. Governor Hobbs also announced the appointment of two trades representatives to the Workforce Arizona Council and the creation of a BuildItAZ Policy Task Force.

“The hands-on learning experience provided through apprenticeships, while earning a salary and gaining invaluable on-the-job experience, is one of the best tools we have to grow and retain our workforce,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Demand is higher than ever, and as Governor, I will work tirelessly to make sure Arizonans have the skills they need to take full advantage of everything Arizona has to offer.”

The breakdown of the $1.25 million is as follows:

• $500,000 from federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) funds to launch BuilditAZ Industry and Trades Marketing and Outreach Campaign
• $750,000 from the Arizona Industrial Development Authority to establish a Workforce Development Grant office at OEO

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