Gov. Katie Hobbs is widening the ReadyTechGo initiative, bringing automated industrial technology training to more community colleges across Arizona and giving residents a faster on-ramp into advanced manufacturing careers. The latest expansion folds Coconino, Mohave and Yavapai colleges into a growing statewide network, with an eye on more than 162,000 technology-related manufacturing jobs across Arizona. Local leaders say the program’s front-loaded, stackable certificates help residents plug into employers in semiconductors, electric vehicles, battery storage and aerospace without having to uproot to the major metros.
What the expansion includes
According to an announcement from the governor’s office on May 14, ReadyTechGo now connects employers with six community college districts and will deliver the Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) curriculum at Coconino College, Mohave College and Yavapai College. Those campuses join existing sites at Central Arizona College, Pima Community College and two Maricopa campuses. The coursework is designed to turn out job-ready technicians for sectors such as semiconductors, EV production, medical devices and robotics. The governor’s office provided the details.
How the training works
The AIT program is structured so students can earn an initial job-ready certification in as little as two weeks, then build on that with additional credentials toward an associate degree over two years, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. Classes focus on hands-on electromechanical work, robotics and troubleshooting skills that employers say they need, and the curriculum is standardized across participating colleges to simplify transfers and hiring. The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity outlines the program structure and employer partnerships.
Why the move matters
OEO Director Mary Foote said expanding ReadyTechGo into rural counties will put "state-of-the-art training" within reach for more Arizonans and help fill roles in an industry that supports more than 162,000 jobs statewide. That workforce focus fits into the broader Talent Ready AZ effort to align education, community colleges and employers in order to speed hiring into high-demand fields. The governor's news release carried Ms. Foote’s remarks.
Employers and local colleges
The expansion is aimed at hires for major employers and supply-chain firms operating in Arizona, including semiconductor and EV manufacturers named in state materials. Local college leaders said the hands-on labs and shared AIT curriculum will let students train close to home while positioning themselves as competitive candidates for regional employers. OEO and Mesa Community College highlighted the employer connections and regional benefits.
How to learn more
Students and jobseekers can find class schedules, enrollment steps and employer information at ReadyTechGoAZ.com, and FOX 10 produced a video report on the expansion and classroom training on Wednesday. ReadyTechGoAZ.com hosts program details, while FOX 10 Phoenix shows how the training looks in practice.
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