Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs announced the creation of a new workforce initiative on Wednesday.
Hobbs signed an executive order establishing the “Talent Ready AZ” initiative and the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, which includes members of several state agencies.
She emphasized the need to address workforce inequities that result in higher unemployment rates for people with disabilities, veterans and Native Americans, among other groups.
“A strong workforce is one that is accessible to everyone. A strong workforce also means having the education and training needed to be prepared for these jobs,” Hobbs said.
The workforce cabinet is tasked with data sharing and creating new jobs.
According to Arizona’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona will need to fill roughly 400,000 jobs by 2030.
About 100,000 of those jobs will be needed in health care and construction industries.
Hobbs also said she will require one percent of federal grants coming into the state to go to workforce development — as allowable.
