TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — As cranes continue rising across the Tucson skyline, Arizona leaders are pushing to ensure the construction boom translates into long-term job opportunities for local workers.
On Jan. 21, Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced a $3 million expansion of the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, funding 10 registered apprenticeship programs across the state. The announcement includes a major investment in the Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (Tucson JATC), one of Southern Arizona’s key workforce pipelines for electrical trade careers.
State officials say the expanded funding is tied to the growing demand for skilled construction labor statewide as new development and infrastructure projects continue.
Arizona estimates the state will need more than 20,000 new construction workers by 2030, a workforce challenge leaders say can only be met through sustained training and recruitment.
“We are continuing to invest in Arizona workers,” Hobbs said. “These apprenticeships are the foundation for Arizonans’ economic security and Arizona’s growth.”
The goal of the BuildItAZ program is to connect residents with “earn-while-you-learn” trade opportunities that provide structured training, paid work experience and a path toward stable, in-demand careers.
Officials said the state’s apprenticeship strategy is also intended to help contractors and employers fill open jobs faster while improving long-term retention through career-track training programs.
For many apprentices, the opportunity is not just about entering the trades — it’s about finding a sustainable future with wages that can support a household.
Angelica Sparks, a second-year apprentice with the Tucson JATC, said she entered the program later in life after facing uncertainty about her career direction and the need to provide for her family.
"I applied and was accepted as an inside wireman apprentice," Sparks said. "Although challenging, it has been extremely rewarding. I absolutely love what I do... this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave a legacy for generations to come."
Leaders say stories like Sparks’ highlight why apprenticeship programs matter, particularly for adults seeking a second chance or a new career path without taking on traditional college debt.
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State officials said the $3 million grant is designed to reduce common barriers that prevent people from joining apprenticeship programs — especially those balancing work, family and financial limitations.
The funding will support areas including:
Supporters say these investments are meant to strengthen programs not only by increasing enrollment but also by improving completion rates and long-term career outcomes.
The BuildItAZ initiative has now invested more than $5 million since 2023, according to state officials. By expanding awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and supporting programs with workforce resources, Arizona aims to scale up training and increase the number of skilled tradespeople available for construction demand.
Officials said the state is on pace to double the number of skilled construction apprenticeships by the end of this year, helping build a larger workforce pipeline for projects in Tucson and other fast-growing regions across Arizona.
Residents interested in entering the construction trades can find more information and available programs through the official state portal at BuildItAZ.az.gov.
Originally reported by Edgar Lopez in KVOA.
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