Awarded $6 million from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to support creation of a state-of-the-art training facility — Follows November 2024 $15 million ACA award for semiconductor focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator project approved for the Maricopa Community College District
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and partners from Boeing and Honeywell have joined forces to launch the first-of-its-kind Aerospace & Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator. This aerospace and defense-focused facility will open in the fall of 2026 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s (CGCC) Williams campus, bringing together students and industry partners.
“We are incredibly honored to be selected for a second Future48 Workforce Accelerator,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa Community College District. “Through this opportunity, our system will provide the critical education and training required by today’s aerospace and defense manufacturing workforce. We look forward to empowering individuals and driving innovation in this high-demand industry.”
The program will receive $6 million from the Arizona Commerce Authority to support the development of a state-of-the-art training facility. Students will have access to flexible training spaces, labs, and industry-standard equipment, ensuring a seamless transition between lectures and hands-on skill development. The accelerator will expand CGCC’s aviation programs, building on existing offerings such as Aircraft Maintenance Technology—providing affordable degree and certificate pathways in airframe, powerplant, and comprehensive maintenance—and Airway Science Technology. Flexible, accelerated training opportunities will support rapid upskilling and workforce entry in emerging aviation fields.
It is noted that in November 2024 the Maricopa County Community College District and GateWay Community College (GWCC), in partnership with Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), launched the first-of-its-kind, semiconductor-focused Future48 Workforce Accelerator—slated to welcome students and industry in 2027.
Housed at GWCC’s Central City campus, the state-of-the-art fab lab facility marked the newest Future48 Workforce Accelerator planned for the state. MCCCD received $5 million from the governor’s office to provide critical wraparound services for working students. The Arizona Commerce Authority contributed an additional $15 million for infrastructure, equipment, and curriculum development. Industry leaders Intel, TSMC, and NXP partnered in the facility’s design and training focus.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported by a $30 million investment from the ACA to build six new advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges.