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SUBSCRIBER CONTENT: Career & Workplace
Mentor Bradley Daniels, left, instructs apprentice Leon Ntwarabakiga to become a facility technician inside the chiller room at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plant in Phoenix.
JIM POULIN | PHOENIX BUSINESS JOURNAL
By Jennifer Mellor and Jeffrey Connor-Naylor – Contributing writers Apr 10, 2025
Arizona is experiencing explosive economic growth. From the booming semiconductor industry to the expansion of advanced manufacturing, the state has become a national leader in innovation and job creation. But with this growth comes a critical challenge: ensuring that our workforce is equipped to meet the demands of these rapidly evolving industries.
Strong partnerships between employers and training providers are key to Arizona’s continued economic growth — but they require strategic investment and smart federal policy to thrive. That’s why a delegation of Arizona business and workforce leaders have headed to Washington, D.C., April 8-11, with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation to meet in person with policymakers to share how these partnerships are preparing workers for in-demand jobs and helping industries stay competitive.
We plan to lift up local success stories and real industry needs, to make the case for workforce policies and funding decisions that reflect what’s working on the ground in Arizona.
The strength of Arizona’s economy lies in the collaboration between businesses, educational institutions and workforce development partners. But without sustained investment in these partnerships, Arizona risks falling behind — with employers struggling to fill jobs, key industries facing stalled growth, slowed economic growth, decreased retention in talent and limited career pathways.
This trip allows these stakeholders to come together, identify industry-specific needs, and build solutions that address skill gaps and drive innovation. From advanced manufacturing to healthcare and technology, the ability to meet industry needs requires a coordinated effort and sustained investment.
When businesses have access to a skilled workforce, they can grow and remain competitive. At the same time, workers benefit from greater access to high- paying, sustainable jobs. Federal support for workforce development programs — such as apprenticeships, technical training, and career pathway initiatives — is critical to aligning industry demand with worker readiness.
Focus on creating career pathways
Investing in workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs — it’s about creating career pathways that offer long-term growth and stability. During our meetings in D.C., our priority is to highlight policies that strengthen these pathways, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to the training and education needed to succeed. This includes expanding access to career and technical education (CTE), enhancing work-based learning opportunities, and increasing funding for skills training programs.
Arizona’s workforce success depends on the strength of our partnerships. By bringing together the business community, policymakers and workforce leaders, we can build a cohesive strategy to address talent shortages and industry demands. The insights gained from this trip will not only shape Arizona’s workforce strategy but also influence national policies that support economic growth and job creation.
As we take part in this important trip, we remain committed to driving workforce solutions that benefit both businesses and workers. Strategic investments in workforce development are essential to sustaining Arizona’s economic momentum and positioning our state as a leader in the global economy.
Together, we have the power to build a stronger, more resilient workforce — one that meets the demands of today’s industries and drives prosperity for future generations.
Jennifer Mellor is chief innovation officer of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.
Jeffrey Connor-Naylor is director of Business Leaders United.