In a move aimed at addressing the construction labor shortage and preparing for Arizona’s projected building boom, the state has announced an additional $3 million investment in its BuildItAZ apprenticeship initiative. The fresh funding marks the largest single investment in the program to date and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers entering the trades.

Launched in 2023, the BuildItAZ apprenticeship program has already registered 3,000 participants, with state leaders hoping to dramatically scale that number in the coming years. Officials have set an ambitious goal: to fill 20,000 construction jobs by the end of the decade.

The program focuses on equipping apprentices with hands-on skills and industry-aligned training, while also ensuring participants receive a steady, supportive income. Advocates say that financial stability is a key factor that enables many apprentices to succeed. As they emphasize, such support “often makes the difference.”

With the new round of funding, state officials plan to expand program capacity across Arizona, with a particular focus on eliminating common barriers to entry. Childcare and transportation—frequent challenges for potential apprentices—are high on the list of issues the investment aims to address.

Officials also intend to better reach underserved and rural communities, where access to training opportunities has traditionally been limited. This includes enhancing program availability in tribal areas and smaller towns, where construction needs are high but skilled labor is scarce.

In addition, a new statewide outreach campaign is in development. The campaign will focus on diversifying the workforce by targeting women and Spanish-speaking residents, groups that have historically been underrepresented in the construction industry.

By 2026, Arizona hopes to double the number of registered apprentices, a move that would help meet the mounting demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other essential tradespeople across the state.

The investment comes amid a national push to reinvigorate the skilled trades, as industries face a generational talent gap caused by retiring workers and a lack of young entrants. Programs like BuildItAZ, officials say, could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.

Originally reported by Kirsten Dorman in Kjzz.