Arizona Town Hall and Maricopa Community Colleges have released a new report titled Building Arizona’s Workforce. This report aims to address workforce challenges by providing data-informed insights across various sectors. Maricopa Community Colleges, led by Daniel Barajas, Chief Officer of Workforce and Economic Development, collaborated with industry leaders and educators to produce this resource.
The report will be utilized during the 117th Arizona Town Hall, an event featuring discussions to shape Arizona’s workforce future. Barajas emphasized the report as a “call to action” to build a resilient and diverse workforce. “Arizona’s future depends on our ability to build and sustain a resilient, skilled, and diversified workforce,” said Barajas.
Arizona’s rapid growth highlights a gap between workforce demand and availability. The report identifies these gaps and offers insights to support economic growth and job preparation. Maricopa Community Colleges, educating more Arizonans than any other public institution, plays a key role in sustaining the regional workforce. “This report affirms what we see every day: when education is aligned with industry and government needs, communities thrive,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges.
The report examines key sectors: healthcare, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, behavioral health, and advanced manufacturing. Each sector faces challenges, such as healthcare workforce shortages expected by 2032, and a construction employment increase that reflects a growing need for skilled workers. The manufacturing sector is anticipated to grow annually, contributing significantly to job creation. Agriculture faces labor shortages and demographic challenges, while behavioral health demand is expected to rise significantly more than the national average.
Advanced manufacturing, including semiconductor production, is bolstered by federal investments, positioning Arizona as a hub for growth. Maricopa Community Colleges initiated programs like Future48 Workforce Accelerators to train technicians in these fields.
Led by Daniel Barajas and Jennifer Kaufman Fourness, Program Director for Workforce Development, Maricopa Community Colleges coordinated expert contributions for the report. As a major workforce provider in Arizona, Maricopa Community Colleges is committed to equipping individuals with skills crucial for economic competitiveness. Building Arizona’s Workforce serves as a tool to guide planning and policy decisions for Arizona’s workforce future.
The complete Building Arizona’s Workforce report is available for viewing.
