The Biden Administration has designated Phoenix as one of five “workforce hubs” to develop skilled workers in advanced manufacturing operations like semiconductors, electric vehicles and renewable energy.
The other hubs are Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore and Augusta, Georgia.
Phoenix was selected due to the area’s strength of public and private investments in semiconductor technology, mineral and battery manufacturing and optical cable. Leading representative projects include the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant in north Phoenix, Intel’s $20B Chandler expansion and LG Energy Solution’s planned $5.5B battery facility in Queen Creek.
The administration plans to work with local officials, education providers, employers and other stakeholders to develop talent programs that will expand apprenticeships and improve career and technical training programs for underrepresented workers and students.
The hubs will launch this summer, and the administration hopes to use them as models to reproduce nationwide.
Another 16 cities, including Tempe, were chosen for a new “Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy” for workforce development efforts that leverage local partnerships for worker skill training.
Along with the other recognitions, the White House noted Phoenix’s use of American Rescue Plan Act money to improve training for high demand jobs, including the repurposing of a vacant K-mart store location at I-17 and Northern Avenue into a workforce training facility. (Source)