Phoenix Named as One of Five US Workforce Hubs Focused on Manufacturing Jobs

The Biden administration has designated Phoenix as a key hub for developing skilled manufacturing and technology jobs.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAUL RAMIREZ, CITY OF PHOENIX

The White House has designated Phoenix as a workforce hub to help meet the demand for qualified and diverse talent in semiconductors, renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Phoenix was picked as one of five hubs dedicated to building up a workforce, specifically because of public and private investments that have been announced in the Phoenix metro in semiconductor, optical cable and critical mineral and battery manufacturing, the Biden administration announced in May.

In the past few years, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has upped its investment in Phoenix to $40 billion, Intel has progressed on a $20 billion expansion in Chandler and a handful of battery manufacturers have made plans for the region such as South Korea-based LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion expansion in Queen Creek.

The Biden administration said it will work with local officials, employers, unions, community colleges, high schools and other stakeholders to create a talent pipeline specific to the region’s needs and to expand apprenticeship programs, career and technical education programs and supportive services for underrepresented students and workers.

The other four metros named as regional hubs include Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore and Augusta, Georgia; most of which have also seen significant expansions in different manufacturing sectors.

In addition, 16 cities, including Tempe, were selected for a new Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy by the White House to launch workforce initiatives that will leverage local partnerships and upskill and reskill workers.