Arizona Western College breaks ground on Future48 Workforce Accelerator
February 27, 2025The Accelerator will expand Wellton Manufacturing Training Center
Yuma, Ariz. (February 27, 2025) – Today, Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College broke ground on the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton, Ariz. The 5,600-square-foot multi-purpose training facility will equip the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center at Arizona Western College to offer training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs joined AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr and AWC leadership, the Arizona Commerce Authority, local government, academic leaders, and Accelerator construction partners to celebrate the groundbreaking.
“This groundbreaking represents a significant step towards a brighter future for Yuma County and all of Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. ”I’m proud to support initiatives like the Future48 Workforce Accelerator, which equips Arizonans with the skills needed for high-tech, high-growth careers. By investing in our people through higher education, we’re not only strengthening our communities but also driving innovation and economic growth across the state.”
“The Wellton Workforce Accelerator is a game-changer for our region, driving economic growth, high-wage job creation, and industry innovation,” said Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs at AWC. “By strategically aligning with the Aerospace & Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, and Telecommunications industries, this initiative will equip local talent with cutting-edge skills, attract new investments, and strengthen Yuma County’s position as a hub for innovation and technology. With its commitment to education, industry collaboration, and workforce development, the accelerator will not only empower individuals but also elevate the entire community, ensuring long-term prosperity for Arizona’s economy.”
"Innovation is at the forefront of all we do in the Entrepreneurial College at AWC," said Jim Larson, AWC Director of Manufacturing and Career and Technical Education, "and the Wellton Workforce Accelerator Building will be no exception. The design teams have worked diligently to ensure that this building is a huge asset to the Wellton community, Yuma region, and even larger for many years to come. AWC will prosper and the students will have front row seats to endless opportunities thanks to their newfound skills learned within these walls."
“Today’s groundbreaking represents an exciting milestone for workforce development in Yuma County,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton will provide hands-on skills training to prepare students for careers in high-growth industries in the region. We are grateful to Governor Hobbs, AWC President Dr. Corr and Arizona Western College, and all of the industry partners for their continued collaboration and support to continue growing our workforce.”
Specialized training and equipment will increase the skill level of the local workforce, preparing students for careers in rapidly expanding, high-tech industries throughout the Yuma area. Program development will be strategically customized to meet the needs of AWC’s industry partners, which include TRAX International, the United States Army Yuma Proving Ground, the General Motor Proving Grounds, the Gowan Company, ALLO Fiber, D&H Electric, Sunray Electric, and Yuma Electric.
The Accelerator is supported by a $3.6 million investment from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to design, construct, and equip the future manufacturing facility. The building was designed by local engineering firm Sternco Engineers and will be built by Pilkington Construction Company.
"We are excited about the completion of this project and the expansion of the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center!” said Randy Polage, Instrumentation and Data Services Manager for TRAX International. “This facility will enhance AWC's ability to provide the critical skills necessary for Yuma's technical workforce to remain competitive in the future and provide support to our community and our military!”
Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators are supported through a $30 million investment from the ACA to build advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges. The Yuma accelerator follows the previously-announced aerospace and defense accelerator in Mesa; semiconductor accelerator in Phoenix; battery accelerator in Pinal County; and manufacturing accelerator in Kingman.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority:
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
Caption information: Breaking ground on the Future48 Workforce Accelerator (pictured left to right): Maria Chavoya, AWC District Governing Board Trustee Representative; Dennis Booth, AWC District Governing Board Chair; Darren Simmons, Yuma County Supervisor; Richard Marsh, Wellton Town Manager; Jim Larson, AWC Director of Manufacturing; Keith Watkins, SVP for Economic and Rural Development, Arizona Commerce Authority; Governor Katie Hobbs; Dr. Daniel Corr, AWC President; Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Entrepreneurial College and VP of Workforce and Healthcare Programs; Hector Zepeda, Student Speaker, Industrial Assessment Center Intern; Olivia Zepeda, AWC District Governing Board Secretary; Sara Larson, Architect, Sternco Engineers; Chris Pilkington, Pilkington Construction; and Clint Harrington, Owner, Pilkington Construction.
Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
Contact:
Alyssa Tufts
Vice President of Public Relations
Arizona Commerce Authority
alyssat@azcommerce.com