ReadyTechGo expansion brings advanced manufacturing training to rural Arizona

By Stacy Mantle
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As Arizona continues to attract major technology and manufacturing employers, state officials are expanding a workforce training program designed to help more residents prepare for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity recently announced the expansion of the ReadyTechGo Initiative, a partnership between employers and community colleges that provides short-term training and industry credentials in fields such as semiconductors, robotics, aerospace, battery storage and electric vehicle manufacturing.

"Our partnership with Coconino Community College reflects Purina's commitment to investing in the communities where we operate,” said Ramon Martinez, Purina Flagstaff factory manager: “Together, we've helped develop a certificate program that equips students with the technical skills needed for manufacturing careers, creating opportunities for students while helping strengthen our local workforce."

Meeting Arizona's manufacturing workforce needs

The program's Automated Industrial Training curriculum is available at Coconino College, Mohave College and Yavapai College, joining existing sites at Central Arizona College, Pima Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College and Mesa Community College.

State officials said the expansion is intended to increase access to training opportunities in rural communities while helping employers fill thousands of jobs in Arizona's growing advanced manufacturing sector.

"The expansion of ReadyTechGo into rural communities is a significant step forward for Arizona's workforce," Hobbs said in a statement. "This program not only supports our growing employers but also ensures Arizonans are prepared for the jobs of today and are ready to meet the demands of tomorrow's industries."

The initiative is part of an effort to connect education and workforce development as Arizona continues to attract large employers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Lucid Motors, LG Energy Solution, Nestlé Purina and Raytheon.

According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the state's advanced manufacturing sector supports more than 162,000 jobs and continues to expand as new facilities come online.

Students in the program receive foundational instruction and hands-on training designed to prepare them for entry-level positions while also creating pathways toward certificates and degrees that can support long-term career advancement.

Mary Foote, director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, said the expansion will provide residents in northern Arizona with access to training opportunities closer to home.

"By expanding the program to rural areas in Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai counties, jobseekers will now have access to state-of-the-art training in an industry that offers more than 162,000 jobs in Arizona and continues to rapidly expand throughout the state," Foote said in a statement.

College leaders welcome expansion

Community college leaders said the program aligns with regional workforce needs and provides students with skills that can lead to employment.

"Advanced manufacturing is a critical industry for Yavapai County and the state of Arizona," said Dr. Lisa Rhine, president of Yavapai College said in a statement.

Dr. Sandra Tarbell, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at Coconino Community College, said in a statement the initiative creates opportunities for both traditional students and working adults seeking new career paths.

"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," Tarbell said.

Mohave College officials said the program also aims to connect residents with employment opportunities within their own communities.

"Advanced manufacturing represents the future, and we are thrilled to provide individuals in rural communities the opportunity to gain knowledge about cutting-edge technologies alongside innovative, adaptable and sustainable production methods," said Jason Gee, dean of instruction for career and technical education at Mohave College in a statement.

Industry partners see growing demand

Industry leaders said the training centers are helping build a pipeline of qualified workers.

"The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center is an incredible resource for our community," said Gina Mitchell, environmental manager at Nucor-Kingman said in a statement. "We're excited about the opportunity to continue working together to strengthen the pipeline of job-ready talent.

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Stacy Mantle
Education Solutions Reporter

smantle@iniusa.org

Meet Stacy
Stacy Mantle is joining the team at Independent Newsmedia, Inc. as an Education Solutions journalist, thanks to a grant from the Arizona Community Collaborative. She has a long history in education that ranges from teaching junior high and middle school to developing curriculum and standards-based assessments.

Community: A longtime advocate for animal welfare, Stacy is deeply involved in rescue efforts and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.

Random Fact: Once upon a time, she shared her home with a pet coyote and two wolf hybrids. The experiences were wild enough to become the subject of her first book!

Education: She holds a BA in English with a minor in Political Science, a Post-baccalaureate in Secondary Education, and an MBA with a emphasis on Marketing.

Hobbies: In her spare time, Stacy writes fast-paced urban fantasy novels, crafts small-batch artisan soap, and is always up for hiking or off-roading through the Arizona wilderness with her husband of 23 years.