Governor Hobbs Launches Talent Ready AZ Initiative

Governor Katie Hobbs launches the Talent Ready AZ Initiative to connect Arizonans with high-paying jobs and growing industries.Photo byShridhar GuptaonUnsplash

PHOENIX – Governor Katie Hobbs today launched the Talent Ready AZ Initiative, a workforce and education program aimed at connecting Arizonans to high-paying jobs and growing industries.

Led by the Governor’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, the enterprise will align state resources and leadership to ensure Arizona’s workforce is prepared for future economic demands.

“I’m laser-focused on attracting and growing business and creating good-paying jobs for Arizonans,” Hobbs said.

“Talent Ready AZ will demonstrate that Arizona has the best workforce in the country and equip Arizonans with the skills they need to thrive in industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare, and clean energy.”

The initiative will coordinate efforts among state agencies, private industry, and Arizona’s higher education institutions, including universities, community colleges, and Career and Technical Education Districts (CTEDs).

According to Hobbs, these partnerships are key to preparing the workforce for high-demand industries and attracting job creators to the state.

“This critical work wouldn’t be possible without collaboration across state agencies, private industry, and our world class higher education system of universities, community colleges, and CTEDs,” added Hobbs.

“Our workforce can’t be prepared without the great education and training pathways offered in Arizona. There wouldn’t be good-paying jobs to fill without job creators recognizing Arizona as the best place in the world to do business.”

As part of this effort, Hobbs signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, which will oversee the initiative.

The cabinet includes leadership from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the Department of Economic Security, and the Arizona Commerce Authority, among others.

The cabinet will also establish industry-specific working groups in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace and defense, construction trades, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

These groups will involve business leaders, educational institutions, and community partners to address workforce gaps and create career pathways, according to the executive order.

Additionally, population-specific working groups will focus on connecting underserved populations—including tribal communities, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people with disabilities—to education, training, and employment opportunities.

Mark Gaspers, Chairman of the Workforce Arizona Council, praised the initiative, saying, “A Workforce Cabinet dedicated to enabling 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.”

Hobbs also announced that at least 1% of federal grants received by the state will be allocated to workforce development.

Over $25 million has already been designated to support Arizona workers, particularly in sectors such as broadband, transportation infrastructure, and clean energy projects, according to Hobbs.

The executive order establishes reporting requirements for state agencies to track progress and outcomes in workforce development.

Agencies now will submit annual reports to the Governor to measure the initiative's success in meeting workforce goals.