As part of an $8 million ASU-led U.S. Department of Labor grant, Pipeline AZ joins a collaborative of community partners to establish the Arizona Workforce Training Accelerator Partnership for Next Generation Jobs (AZNext). The workforce development partnership will enhance regional competitiveness, helping to address workforce shortages and train workers for high-paying, high-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and information technology (IT). AZNext will train at least 2,000 participants, with a goal of achieving industry-recognized credentials and permanent job placement over the next four years.
Led by ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and community partners including Pipeline AZ, Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Technology Council, Arizona@Work, AZNext will leverage the state’s educational and employment resources to create the workforce of the future.
“As an online career development and exploration platform, Pipeline AZ is proud to support AZNext by providing the digital front door for training recipients and serve as the infrastructure to connect them to programming and opportunities. Pipeline AZ connects education and industry to build a stronger talent pipeline, close the skills gap and help employers find diverse talent,” said Mary Foote, Managing Director, Pipeline AZ.
AZNext will build capacity within the region, leveraging existing programs such as Pipeline AZ to create an innovative workforce development model that not only works in Arizona but can be replicated in other regions across the country.