The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved an additional $500,000 for apprenticeship opportunities, increasing total funding to over $12 million aimed at creating a pipeline of skilled workers across a variety of career fields.
The apprenticeship program offers training and hands-on experience in various industries, including healthcare, IT, construction, advanced manufacturing, and more, all considered in-demand career paths in the current economic climate. Providing individuals with the necessary training and education, the program aims to bridge the skills gap and address the shortage of skilled workers in these industries.
“The additional funding for the apprenticeship program not only helps residents with an opportunity to obtain skills for a sustainable career, but also helps to meet the workforce needs of growing industries,” says Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. “By investing in the workforce, Maricopa County is striving to secure economic growth, which supports stability for all.”
Since the launch of the apprenticeship program in 2022, Maricopa County has served 1,703 participants, with a goal of assisting 3,000 residents find apprenticeships through 2026. Benefits and services provided to participants in the program include national industry certification, tuition assistance, on-the-job training, resume development, and earn-while-you-learn opportunities.
“The ability to earn a living wage while pursuing a new career is crucial to many families that struggle financially,” says Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, District 2. “Providing residents with these opportunities to succeed in the workforce is also advantageous because it strengthens industries in Maricopa County and benefits our overall economy.”
The Maricopa County apprenticeship program has been successful in its goal of establishing a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to support growing industries in the County, and it is well-positioned to continue expanding its reach and impact in the coming years. This achievement led the Human Services Department, in partnership with the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board, receive recognition as a national leader in apprenticeship enrollments by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Funding approved for the apprenticeship program is part of Maricopa County’s $871 million allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Learn more about the apprenticeship program and apply for services at Maricopa.gov/Apprentice.
