Peoria Students Gain Access to Governor Hobbs' New Manufacturing Training Initiative Through Estrella Mountain College
Marcus Whitfield
Governor Hobbs Expands Workforce Training to Rural and Suburban Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs announced a new statewide workforce initiative called ReadyTechGo that partners with community colleges to train students for high-wage manufacturing jobs. The program includes Estrella Mountain Community College, which serves Peoria and the West Valley.
The initiative aims to fill thousands of open positions at major Arizona employers including TSMC, Boeing, Lucid Motors, LG Energy Solutions, and Raytheon.
Quick Training for High-Demand Jobs
Students can complete short-term certifications in as little as two weeks through the Automated Industrial Training (AIT) program. The curriculum covers fields such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices, and aerospace.
Students also have the option to complete a full two-year associate degree program, depending on their area of study.
"ReadyTechGo is the latest of several statewide initiatives to boost advanced manufacturing jobs in our state. Thanks to key collaborations among leaders in government, industry, and education, Arizona has become a desirable location for large employers," Hobbs said in a press release. "ReadyTechGo will be instrumental in continuing that work and ensuring our workforce is ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow."
Seven Community Colleges Participate
The following colleges are partners in the ReadyTechGo program:
- Central Arizona College
- Coconino College
- Estrella Mountain Community College
- Mesa Community College
- Mohave College
- Pima Community College
- Yavapai College
Salaries and Job Outlook
According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the average salary for a robotics technician in Maricopa County is $75,000.
More than 162,000 jobs across the state are provided by manufacturing companies, with demand continuing to grow in Phoenix and Tucson, according to Arizona PBS.
Focus on Rural Access
A key goal of the initiative is expanding access for students in rural areas. Sandra Tarbell, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Coconino Community College, highlighted the program's reach.
"At Coconino Community College, we see ReadyTechGo as a gateway for our local talent to access Arizona's rapidly evolving technology sector," Tarbell said. "This initiative brings invaluable training opportunities to our community, giving students from traditional learners to working adults the practical skills required for today's most in-demand manufacturing careers."
Reporting by Roxanne De La Rosa, Arizona PBS Education Solutions Reporter.