Hobbs signs executive order on workforce development

(The Center Square) – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order on Wednesday to allocate $25 million in federal funding toward workforce development programs.

In addition, the order includes the creation of the Governor's Workforce Cabinet, which includes various agencies including the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity and the Arizona Commerce Authority in hopes to push all of the state's different workforce development program as businesses continue to set up shop.

“I’m laser-focused on attracting and growing business and creating good-paying jobs for Arizonans,” Hobbs stated. “Talent Ready AZ will show businesses Arizona has the best workforce in the country and give Arizonans the skills they need to thrive in industries like advanced manufacturing, cyber security, health care, and clean energy."

A major purpose of the cabinet is to have working groups determine needs in different sectors and ultimately plug in groups such as veterans, tribal members, those who are were "formerly incarcerated" and women to the right opportunities to hold those jobs. The $25 million is considered the 1% minimum required by the Executive Order to head to workforce development efforts.

According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, there are an estimated 400,000 jobs that will need workers "by 2030" including 20,000 in construction, 6,000 in manufacturing, and 76,000 in healthcare. Other sectors, like "clean energy" and broadband are also anticipated to have thousands of workers needed to meet the demand.

“Communicating the very specific training needs our businesses face – with education partners ready to move at the speed of business – leads to good-paying, quality jobs in growing industries,” Mark Gaspers, Chairman of the Workforce Arizona Council, said in a statement. “A Workforce Cabinet dedicated to enabling these sector partnerships will position Arizona to outpace job growth in other states. Governor Hobbs – thank you for your commitment to workforce development – to Arizona businesses – and to all Arizona job seekers.”

Skilled workers have become a major topic in Arizona government as both companies continue to grow while facing staffing shortages in some cases, such as the highly technical semiconductor industry.