Aerospace workforce accelerator in the works in Arizona

An aerospace and defense-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator is set to take off at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Mesa, Arizona.

Unveiled by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, the accelerator will be a partnership between the Arizona Commerce Authority, Maricopa County Community College District, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Boeing, and Honeywell. The accelerator will provide hands-on training to prepare students for careers in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

The facility is expected to open in the fall of 2026 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Williams campus.

Supported by a more than $6 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator combines expert-led instruction with hands-on training to meet the growing demand for aviation mechanics and technicians, according to state officials.

“The training facility will feature cutting-edge labs with industry-standard equipment and flexible training spaces to seamlessly transition between lectures and skill-based learning including electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and wiring,” officials added.

A strong demand for skilled professionals in aviation mechanics, electrical and mechanical assembly, wiring, and composites exists in Arizona, which is a hub for the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industry, with more than 1,200 companies, including The Boeing Company, Honeywell Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Northrup Grumman, and others that contribute nearly $15 billion to the economy annually, according to state officials. The state ranks among the top five in the country for the largest aerospace and defense employment, with over 62,000 Arizonans employed in the industry, officials added.

Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported through a $30 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges. The new aerospace and defense accelerator follows the previously-announced semiconductor accelerator launched in partnership with GateWay Community College, battery accelerator launched in partnership with Pinal County and Central Arizona College, and rural accelerators in Yuma and Kingman.

For more information: AzGovernor.gov