Students gaining hands-on experience at the Future48 Workforce Accelerator.
Arizona has unveiled the Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, aimed at enhancing training for the aerospace and defense sectors. Announced by Governor Katie Hobbs, the initiative will open in fall 2026 and features a $6 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority. This collaborative program will provide hands-on training to ensure that workers are equipped with essential skills needed in high-demand aerospace and defense jobs, thereby strengthening the state’s vital economy and workforce.
Arizona has officially launched a new aerospace and defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa. This initiative was announced by Governor Katie Hobbs during a press conference on February 19, 2025. With the goal of enhancing workforce training and aligning with industry needs, the Future48 Workforce Accelerator is set to open in fall 2026 and represents a significant step forward for aerospace and defense training in the state.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator is a collaborative venture involving multiple entities including the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), and industry leaders such as Boeing and Honeywell. This program aims to provide hands-on training targeting high-demand job skills in aerospace and defense manufacturing, showcasing an investment of over $6 million from the Arizona Commerce Authority towards the establishment of this state-of-the-art training facility.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator will feature advanced laboratories equipped with industry-standard tools and flexible training spaces. This environment is designed to support intensive skill-based learning in crucial areas such as electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and wiring. By focusing on these specific skill sets, the accelerator aims to prepare students for various roles within the aerospace and defense sector, which is vital to Arizona’s economy.
Arizona is home to over 1,200 aerospace and defense companies, contributing nearly $15 billion to the state’s economy annually. The aerospace and defense sector employs more than 62,000 Arizonans, ranking the state among the top five nationally for employment in this industry. The establishment of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator is poised to bolster this already significant sector by equipping the workforce with necessary skills and enhancing job connectivity for residents.
Various stakeholders have expressed their support for this innovative program. The Arizona Commerce Authority has articulated its role in advancing Arizona’s high-tech industries and workforce readiness. Leadership from Chandler-Gilbert Community College highlighted the institution’s 30 years of experience in aviation training, emphasizing a commitment to providing education tailored to meet industry demands. Both Boeing and Honeywell have supported this initiative, underlining the necessity for community partnerships to address existing talent shortages in the aerospace and defense field.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are part of a broader $30 million investment strategy by the Arizona Commerce Authority aimed at enhancing advanced manufacturing training facilities statewide. This strategic investment reflects a clear commitment to fostering educational programs that align with industry trends and workforce needs, ultimately positioning Arizona as a leading state in advanced manufacturing training and job creation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator at Chandler-Gilbert Community College promises to be an invaluable resource for Arizonans seeking careers in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industries. With strong backing from state authorities and key industry leaders, the program is expected to not only improve job readiness but also stimulate economic growth across the region.
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