Tempe, Ariz., October 8, 2026 – In today’s world, everything we touch is manufactured. The phone in your hand, the car you drive, the airplane that connects you to the world. Behind every one of these products is a skilled worker. As Arizona’s largest employers race to meet growing consumer demand, Maricopa Community Colleges is preparing the state’s workforce with the technical and problem-solving skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“Our advanced manufacturing programs are keeping Arizona competitive for new jobs and new businesses relocating to our state,” said Valerie Jones, Maricopa Community Colleges Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development. “We’re developing a highly skilled workforce to support this fast-growing industry.”
The Big Picture
Arizona’s advanced manufacturing industry generates an economic impact of $46.8 billion. From global corporations like TSMC, Intel Corporation, and LG Energy Solutions to mid-range and smaller businesses, these companies have invested in the state and depend on its community college districts to train its workforce. Today, the sector employs over 195,000 Arizonans across fields like bioscience, medical supplies and devices, aerospace and defense, and semiconductors.
In less than a decade, the U.S. will need to add 3.8 million new manufacturing jobs, and nearly half of these positions will likely remain unfilled due to a shortage of trained professionals. Arizona employers depend on a steady pipeline of skilled talent, and Maricopa Community Colleges is working to close the gap.
Industry-Aligned Training Programs
As a leader in workforce training, Maricopa Community Colleges offers over 31 certificate and degree programs to support the manufacturing industry. Programs such as Automated Industrial Technology, CNC Machining, Engineering, Precision Optics, and Semiconductor give learners hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, equipment, and technologies used across Arizona’s manufacturing sector. From short-term bootcamps and certificates to associate degrees, students can enter the workforce quickly or continue their education.
The Future of Advanced Manufacturing Is Here
Step inside a modern advanced manufacturing facility; what you find may surprise you. The assembly lines of the past are long gone. Today, workers operate state-of-the-art machinery and robotics, use coding and algorithms to keep production lines moving smoothly, assemble components, maintain equipment, and many use artificial intelligence to ensure products meet quality and safety standards.
To train the workforce companies across the state need, Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority turned to Arizona’s community college districts. With a $30 million investment, the state established six state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training facilities—Future48 Workforce Accelerators—each focused on regional labor market needs, including semiconductors, battery manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and more.
Maricopa Community Colleges is home to two Future48 Workforce Accelerators.
- Aerospace and Defense hub at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Williams campus is now fully renovated, with programming set to launch in the spring. This 14,058-square-foot facility will train nearly 1,000 students a year for careers at The Boeing Company, Honeywell, and Garmin.
- Semiconductor facility at GateWay Community College’s Central City campus will open in early 2027. This facility will have immersive high-tech labs, including full-sized mock clean rooms and modular stations.
Learn how Maricopa Community Colleges is changing Arizona’s key industries at maricopa.edu/industry.