As Metro Phoenix continues to rise with massive data centers, healthcare facilities, infrastructure upgrades and skyline-changing developments, the demand for a skilled construction workforce has never been greater. Employment in the sector is expected to jump 30% by 2030. But a critical imbalance persists: for every five skilled workers retiring, only two trained replacements are entering the field.
Mesa Community College (MCC) is stepping forward with a new blueprint designed to narrow that gap — not by simply increasing enrollment, but by reengineering the way construction trades are taught.
Located in the East Valley, the college has rolled out a transformational approach to workforce development that immerses students into real-world environments from day one. David Cain, Ph.D., director of the Construction Management & Trades program, made it clear that the shift was necessary to match industry demand.
“We cannot adequately train the future construction workforce from a book and theoretical lectures,” said Cain. “Hands-on experience is essential – our industry partners are literally building the foundation for their future workforce through our programs.”
The centerpiece of this initiative is a 1.5-acre laydown yard, designed to function just like an active construction site — the first such facility to open on a U.S. community college campus. Here, students learn how to stage equipment, manage materials and collaborate on job-site operations in real time, supported by industry-standard tools and technology.
Four specialized training pods ensure students explore a diverse range of in-demand trades:
By combining practical experience with upgraded laboratory instruction in safety and national standards, MCC’s model is designed to get students job-ready in just one year.
To keep ahead of employer demand, the program continues to expand its offerings. Masonry officially launched in fall 2025, while HVACR coursework will be available in spring 2026, followed by a dedicated solar construction program in summer 2026. These disciplines align with Arizona’s rapid growth in commercial construction, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy infrastructure.
MCC’s initiative is supported by more than $1.1 million in combined funding, equipment, materials and scholarships from construction and trade leaders committed to strengthening Arizona’s talent pipeline. Partners include:
The collaboration ensures students gain exposure to the tools and expectations of real employers — and have a direct line to jobs.
Cain emphasized the significance of that ongoing support:
“The project could not have become a reality without the overwhelming support of the college’s construction industry partners, who contributed funds, materials, supplies, equipment, labor and scholarships,” he said. “We heavily rely on the construction industry community to ensure our students not only learn their craft with the latest tools and technology, but also have the full experience of working in the field.”
Arizona’s development boom needs trained workers — urgently. MCC is demonstrating that modern trade education must go beyond textbooks, creating a direct bridge from classroom to job site. For students, that means faster training, better wages, and access to lifelong careers in one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.
Originally reported by Maricopa Community Colleges in BIZ Journals.
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