Staff Reports | Community Updates
Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity announced the expansion of the ReadyTechGo Initiative, a statewide partnership between employers and six community college districts designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.
The initiative provides short-term training and stackable credentials through the Automated Industrial Training program, allowing participants to enter the workforce quickly while pursuing longer-term degree pathways.
“The expansion of ReadyTechGo into rural communities is a significant step forward for Arizona’s workforce,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs. “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 Automated Industrial Training program is now available at Coconino Community College, Mohave Community College and Yavapai College, joining existing training locations at Central Arizona College, Pima Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College and Mesa Community College.
The program is part of Arizona’s effort to connect more residents with careers in robotics and automated technology fields and to help meet workforce needs at employers including TSMC, Lucid Motors, LG Energy Solution, Nestlé Purina and Raytheon, according to a press release.
“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,” said Mary Foote, director of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. “OEO is honored to partner to support and invest in ReadyTechGo to increase opportunities for Arizonans to prepare for jobs in a growing, in-demand industry.”
“Yavapai College is on the cutting edge of providing the highest level of advanced manufacturing training through the School of Career and Technical Education,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, president of Yavapai College. “Advanced manufacturing is a critical industry for Yavapai County and the state of Arizona. Yavapai College provides state-of-the-art facilities where students learn in hands-on environments from industry experts before entering the workforce. Yavapai College is proud to be part of this program that is preparing students for the high in demand jobs that are helping to drive our County, State and economy forward.”
The curriculum includes foundational instruction and hands-on training for careers in electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices, battery storage, robotics and aerospace.
“At Coconino Community College, we see ReadyTechGo as a gateway for our local talent to access Arizona’s rapidly evolving technology sector,” said Dr. Sandra Tarbell, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at Coconino Community College. “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. We are excited to be part of a program that is truly transforming the workforce landscape in northern Arizona.”
