ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County approves more funding for apprenticeship program for in-demand careers

Oct 15, 2024, 4:00 PM

Arizona's workforce benefits from apprenticeship program Maricopa County...

Maricopa County has approved additional funding for apprenticeship opportunities. (Maricopa County Screenshot/via YouTube)

(Maricopa County Screenshot/via YouTube)

PHOENIX — Maricopa County officials are now spending a total of over $12 million to create a pipeline of skilled workers across in-demand industries through an apprenticeship program.

The number bumped up to this total after the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently voted to spend an additional $500,000 to build up the metro Phoenix workforce.

Supervisor Jack Sellers, the current board chairman, said this investment will have positive ripple effects throughout the county’s economy.

“The additional funding for the apprenticeship program not only helps residents with an opportunity to obtain skills for a sustainable career, but also helps to meet the workforce needs of growing industries,” Sellers said in a Monday news release.

The apprenticeship program benefitting from the funds has been around since 2022. Through it, the county has helped 1,703 participants. Its overall goal is to help 3,000 Maricopa County residents find apprenticeships through 2026.

How does apprenticeship program help Arizona’s workforce?

Those who join the program can benefit from training and hands-on experience in various industries that need new workers.

Some of those industries include health care, advanced manufacturing, IT and construction.

Participants can get national industry certification, resume development, on-the-job training, tuition assistance and opportunities to earn money while developing skills.

Supervisor Thomas Galvin, the vice chairman of the board, heralded the program.

“The ability to earn a living wage while pursuing a new career is crucial to many families that struggle financially,” Galvin said in the release. “Providing residents with these opportunities to succeed in the workforce is also advantageous because it strengthens industries in Maricopa County and benefits our overall economy.”

The additional $500,000 in funding comes from the $871 million chunk of change the American Rescue Plan Act sent Maricopa County.

Those who want to join the program can apply online.

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Maricopa County approves more funding for apprenticeship program for in-demand careers