PHOENIX — Arizona’s effort to grow its skilled workforce is gaining new momentum as the state launches the third round of the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, backed by a fresh $2 million federal investment.

The program, first introduced in 2023, is designed to increase the number of registered construction and trade apprentices across Arizona by the end of 2026. Since its launch, BuildItAZ has become a cornerstone of the state’s workforce development strategy, offering on-the-job training opportunities that connect apprentices with family-supporting careers.

“Since 2023, BuildItAZ has added more than 5,000 new apprentices to Arizona’s registered apprenticeship system — building a stronger, more diverse and better-prepared workforce for high-demand, high-wage careers,” said Carlos Contreras, Director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). “These apprenticeships provide hands-on, practical training that bypasses traditional college debt while learners earn wages from day one in family-supporting vocations.”

Applications for this round of BuildItAZ are already open and will close on Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.

A Growing Track Record of Support

The new $2 million funding builds on earlier investments, bringing total grant support to more than $3.65 million since the program began. The initiative has previously received:

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• $650,000 in May 2024, which funded five construction and trade apprenticeship programs and directly supported over 500 apprentices.
• $1 million in November 2024, which further expanded registered apprenticeships statewide.
• $1 million in April 2025, which was distributed to seven different apprenticeship programs.

Together, these investments are helping Arizona scale up its training capacity at a time when demand for skilled construction and trade workers remains high.

Key Areas of Investment

The third round of BuildItAZ funding will be directed toward several priorities, including:

• Instructor and facility expansion to increase training capacity.
• Recruitment and retention of apprentices to meet industry demand.
• Wrap-around support services, such as childcare, transportation, and tools, helping remove barriers for workers balancing family and training.
• Pre-apprenticeship programs that create entry points for underrepresented populations and connect learners directly to registered apprenticeship pathways.

Meeting Arizona’s Workforce Goals

The OEO’s long-term goal is to reach 8,700 registered apprentices by the end of 2026, a target officials believe is within reach given the program’s rapid growth.

By aligning training programs with high-demand industries like construction, electrical work, plumbing, and advanced trades, Arizona is positioning itself to both fill immediate workforce gaps and create long-term stability in its labor market.

The initiative also reflects Gov. Katie Hobbs’ broader commitment to workforce development. Over the past two years, her administration has announced multiple investments aimed at expanding apprenticeships, recognizing them as a proven way to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers while providing Arizonans with affordable career pathways.

As Contreras emphasized, BuildItAZ is more than just a workforce program — it’s an investment in Arizona’s economic future.

Originally reported by Kylie Werner in KTAR News.