PHOENIX, Ariz. — Grand Canyon University (GCU) and McCarthy Building Companies are taking another step to address Arizona’s construction workforce shortage by launching a new pre-apprenticeship construction program designed to introduce students to high-demand trades.
The initiative expands GCU’s Center for Workforce Development, which has already graduated more than 490 students in electrical pre-apprenticeship and CNC machining since 2022. This fall, the program introduced civil construction and mechanical/plumbing pathways, with HVAC and concrete trades scheduled to launch in fall 2026.
The pre-apprenticeship spans two semesters and combines hands-on technical training with general education courses and life skills such as financial literacy and workplace readiness. Students also gain interview practice, professional exposure, and the option to transition directly into NCCER-certified apprenticeship programs through partnerships with institutions like the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT).
“This program is a win-win,” said Eric Fields, regional self-perform leader for McCarthy’s Southwest region. “Students are introduced to well-paying career paths in the construction trades, and employers get candidates who are informed and committed to developing their careers in the construction industry. But for these programs to thrive and grow, we need more industry partners to engage and hire GCU’s graduates, so the class sizes remain strong.”
Fields emphasized that the program not only addresses immediate workforce needs but also helps stabilize the talent pipeline as Arizona continues to see growth in infrastructure, housing, and commercial development.
The first expanded trade cohort began on Sept. 2, 2025, giving students access to the same structured framework as GCU’s successful electrical program, with added hands-on coursework tailored to civil, plumbing, HVAC, and concrete skills. Students will explore each field before committing to a long-term apprenticeship track, ensuring they enter careers aligned with their strengths and interests.
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“GCU is proud to work with McCarthy to create meaningful opportunities for students who might not otherwise have thought about or known how to pursue a career in construction,” said Shelly Seitz, director of GCU’s Center for Workforce Development. “With the right industry support, we can scale this model and prepare more skilled workers for in-demand trades while assisting young people with finding a lucrative long-term career.”
Many students are first-generation college students or adults changing careers, seeking stability and advancement in industries that cannot be outsourced. The construction sector, particularly in Arizona, has been struggling to find enough skilled labor to keep pace with rapid development.
While McCarthy is the founding partner, the company is urging other contractors, subcontractors, and trade firms to participate by mentoring, hiring, or sponsoring program graduates. The goal is to ensure class sizes grow and that students have clear job pathways immediately after training.
Applications for the next cohort will open later this fall, with new classes scheduled for September 2026. Interested employers and industry partners can contact GCU’s Center for Workforce Development at Trades@gcu.edu to explore partnership opportunities.
Originally reported by Michael Gossie in AZ Big Media.
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