US Senate hopeful Martha McSally talks jobs, economy on campaign trail

PHOENIX — With less than two weeks away from election day, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally was on the campaign trail Wednesday speaking about jobs and the economy.

She toured the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) in Avondale and went inside several of the 38 training labs set for students to learn about everything from advanced diagnosis to undercar maintenance.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally is touring the Universal Technical Institute in Avondale. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/Y51AwJ8yvE

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) October 24, 2018

The 248,000-square-foot campus also has labs where students can tear down and rebuild engines, as well as labs dedicated to diesel and welding.

While on the tour, McSally heard about the need employers have for more technicians in areas such as automotive and welding.

“[Employers] are in desperate need for technicians,” Patrick Bennett, education director at UTI, told McSally when she asked about labor shortages. “We can’t provide enough students for them.”

While on her tour of the Universal Technical Institute in Avondale this morning, U.S. Senate candidate Martha McSally also heard from students about the work they do in the hands-on labs at the institute. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/3wFUnufKcR

— Griselda Zetino (@GriseldaZetino) October 25, 2018

It’s not just technician jobs that are being left unfilled. The Labor Department reported last week there were 7 million job openings nationwide at the end of August.

McSally said those job openings – coupled with a low unemployment rate – are signs the economy is booming, which she said is at the top of the minds of voters.

“They want to be able to work hard, provide for their families and get ahead,” she said. “The conservative policies that we’re working on with this administration are showing that we’re working.”

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