Arizona Western College (AWC) has been named one of ten recipients of a $3 million grant through the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative, according to an announcement from Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. The initiative aims to support construction apprenticeship programs across Arizona.
“Creating opportunity for working-class Arizonans is critical to realizing the Arizona Promise,” said Governor Hobbs. “Arizona has established itself as a national and international economic giant, with businesses of all shapes and sizes growing and moving to our state. This influx means more jobs, more opportunity for Arizonans to access family-sustaining, stable careers, and more demand for skilled construction workers. Increasing construction apprentices is core to building Arizona’s future, whether it’s new manufacturing facilities, new roads, or new housing, and I am proud of the progress we have made to ensure Arizonans are at the center of it all.”
Since its launch in 2023, the BuildItAZ initiative has invested about $5 million in expanding career pathways in construction. AWC stands out as the only community college selected as a grantee during any round of funding for this program.
“This BuildItAZ award opens doors to opportunity, mobility, and high-skill careers that once felt out of reach for our students,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan¸ AWC’s Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare. “Arizona Western College is committed to breaking barriers, expanding access, and building innovative training models that meet students where they are. This grant energizes our mission and fuels the future of our region.”
AWC serves as a registered apprenticeship sponsor with the state and collaborates with Yuma County employers on apprenticeship programs in Broadband Fiber Optics and Electrical Technology. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with accredited coursework at AWC.
“I chose the apprenticeship program because it helps transition the knowledge you learn in the classroom over to the field,” said Andrew Lay, a graduate of AWC’s Electrical Technology Apprenticeship program. “It has changed my career path in helping me get a good career with a company that really looks at me as an individual and I have learned so much from them and building a future for myself.”
Employers interested in partnering with AWC or individuals seeking information about apprenticeship opportunities can contact apprentice@azwestern.edu or visit oeo.az.gov for details about upcoming rounds of BuildItAZ grants.
