Arizona Technology Council joins workforce development partnership to establish AZNext initiative
As part of an $8 million ASU-led U.S. Department of Labor grant, Arizona Technology Council joins a collaborative of community partners to establish the Arizona Workforce Training Accelerator Partnership for Next Generation Jobs (AZNext). The workforce development partnership will enhance regional competitiveness, helping to address workforce shortages and train workers for high-paying, high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and information technology (IT).
The One Workforce grant will help address a critical skills shortage in the United States. The program, which will be led by ASU and its many partners, is designed to train at least 2,000 participants, with a goal of achieving industry-recognized credentials and permanent job placement over the next four years.
Led by ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and community partners including Pipeline AZ, Arizona Commerce Authority, Pipeline AZ, Arizona@Work, AZNext will leverage the state’s educational and employment resources to create the workforce of the future.
One of the many goals of AZNext is to build a workforce development model that not only works in Arizona but can be applied in other states — eventually upskilling all of America’s workforce. ASU’s partnerships with agencies like Arizona Commerce Authority, which leads economic development and workforce programs across the state, will be critical in this effort.
For years, Arizona has been prioritizing jobs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and IT. The state ranks second in the U.S. when it comes to creating jobs in those emerging sectors, and has filled more than 350,000 related positions since 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through this new partnership, ASU will help close the skills gap faster and help employers reach new, diverse talent.
“Talent is often the key driver in business location decisions,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of Arizona Commerce Authority. “Through AZNext, Arizona is further enhancing our workforce and helping ensure a ready supply of talent to fill the highly technical and advanced jobs of tomorrow. We look forward to working with ASU and other partners on this important initiative to advance Arizona’s competitive position in the global economy and create new opportunities for Arizonans.”