Development of a new aerospace and defense-focused training facility is underway at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The facility will be the latest Future48 Workforce Accelerator.
Future48 Workforce Accelerators are advanced manufacturing training facilities that are being built across the state in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority and local community colleges. Chandler-Gilbert was a fit for aerospace and defense manufacturing due to the school’s aviation and aerospace-related programming.
Alyssa Tufts is with the Commerce Authority, which has invested $30 million in the accelerator effort.
“So the goal is to really bridge the gap between industry and academia and bring those two parties together in order to develop comprehensive curriculum and training to prepare students for high growth and high demand careers that are in these industries," she said.
Gov. Katie Hobbs said the latest program would help Arizona “remain at the forefront of a critical industry that helps keep us safe and secure.”
The Chandler-Gilbert facility is expected to open in fall of 2026.
EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.
