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Hobbs announces $1 million to build up Arizona's construction workforce

construction worker on a roof
Getty Images

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration announced new workforce development grants to build up Arizona’s construction employment base.

Hobbs launched the effort, dubbed BuildItAZ, in 2023 with a goal to double the number of construction apprentices in Arizona by 2026 by providing grant funding to apprenticeship programs to increase recruitment, retain current apprentices and provide support services, such as child care and transportation.

The program sent about $650,000 to five organizations in its first year, according to the governor’s office.

“Apprenticeships open up economic opportunities for Arizonans, are jobs from day one, pay good wages, and teach people valuable skills that pave the way to family-supporting careers,” Hobbs said in a press release.

A new round will open next month utilizing $1 million in federal funding.

“The BuildItAZ Initiative has generated significant growth in its first year as registered apprenticeship programs have enrolled more than 1,000 new construction apprentices and we expect to be closer to our goal after the next grant round which opens in December,” said Carlos Contreras, director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity.

Apprenticeship programs can begin applying for those grants through the Office of Economic Opportunity on Dec. 3.

Wayne Schutsky is a broadcast field correspondent covering Arizona politics on KJZZ. He has over a decade of experience as a journalist reporting on local communities in Arizona and the state Capitol.