Arizona Launches Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Students participate in hands-on training at the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator.

News Summary

Arizona has announced the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College to provide essential training for the aerospace and defense sector. Set to open in fall 2026, this initiative aims to connect residents with sustainable job opportunities, aligning with Arizona’s strategy for workforce development. Backed by a $6 million investment, the program will deliver hands-on training, focusing on critical skills, while positioning Arizona as a top contender for aerospace and defense manufacturing and investment.

Arizona has launched the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), aimed at providing essential training in the rapidly growing aerospace and defense sector. This initiative, announced by Governor Katie Hobbs, will officially open in fall 2026, marking a significant step forward in connecting residents with sustainable job opportunities in this vital industry.

Arizona has recently been recognized as the third most attractive location in the United States for aerospace and defense manufacturing and investment, according to a report from PwC, moving up three spots from sixth place. Only Texas and Florida rank higher. The PwC Attractiveness Index evaluates locations based on multiple factors, including cost, labor, infrastructure, industry depth, economy, and tax policy, with Arizona excelling primarily in industry depth due to its established aerospace sector.

Details of the Accelerator Program

The Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator is a collaborative effort between the Arizona Commerce Authority, Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), CGCC, and industry leaders like Boeing and Honeywell. The program is designed to deliver hands-on training and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in aerospace and defense manufacturing careers.

With an investment of over $6 million from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the accelerator will comprise advanced labs featuring industry-standard equipment and flexible training spaces. This setup will facilitate seamless transitions between theoretical instruction and practical skill-based learning, covering essential areas such as electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and wiring.

Significance of the Aerospace and Defense Sector

The aerospace and defense industry significantly impacts Arizona’s economy, featuring over 1,200 companies and contributing nearly $15 billion annually. The state is also among the top five in the United States for aerospace and defense employment, with over 62,000 individuals working in the sector.

The Future48 Workforce Accelerator is part of Arizona’s broader strategy for workforce development. It aims not just to enhance training in aerospace but also to ensure that local residents can secure stable jobs in the future. This initiative aligns with other Future48 Workforce Accelerators funded by a significant $30 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority, designed to bolster advanced manufacturing training across different sectors.

Previous Initiatives and Future Plans

The Future48 model is inspired by the successful Drive48 facility that focuses on automotive manufacturing training. Arizona has also previously launched Workforce Accelerators in related fields, such as a semiconductor accelerator in partnership with GateWay Community College and a battery accelerator with Central Arizona College. These previous initiatives reflect a commitment to enhancing job training in various industries and addressing workforce shortages.

The aerospace and defense sector’s expansion is vital for sustaining Arizona’s robust economy. The Future48 Aerospace & Defense Accelerator is an essential step towards supporting the industry’s future talent, addressing workforce needs, and fostering economic growth. Industry leaders have shown strong support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of empowering new talent to ensure the sector remains competitive and innovative.

As the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator prepares to open its doors in 2026, it stands as a promising development in Arizona’s efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of the aerospace industry in years to come.