PHOENIX – Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced that the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative is awarding an additional $3 million to ten Arizona registered apprenticeship programs including Rummel Construction, Inc. as it works to fill more than 20,000 construction jobs the state projects will be needed by 2030. These grants, which follow other rounds of funding, connect Arizonans to earn-while-you-learn opportunities to build high-skill careers across the state.
“We are continuing to invest in Arizona workers,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Through our BuildItAZ initiative, Arizonans are gaining crucial skills to succeed in our construction workforce and achieve family-sustaining careers. These apprenticeships are the foundation for Arizonans’ economic security and Arizona’s growth.”
The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative has now invested more than $5 million to expand and promote high paying, fulfilling construction career pathways since Governor Hobbs announced the program in 2023. The initiative has helped create thousands of apprenticeships and is on pace to meet its goal of doubling skilled construction apprenticeships by the end of 2026. These newest grantees will use funds to expand training capacity, invest in instructors and equipment, increase outreach and recruitment, and provide essential wrap-around support such as child care, transportation, and tools that enable apprentices to succeed.
The third round of BuildItAZ grantees are:
“BuildItAZ, alongside its high-caliber grantee partners, are not only expanding Arizona’s workforce, they’re changing lives,” said Mary Foote, Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. “From day one, apprentices earn competitive wages, gain nationally recognized credentials, and build a pathway to stable, rewarding careers. These exemplary grantee programs are building skills, building confidence, and building Arizona’s future.”
Construction careers, especially those started through a registered apprenticeship, offer Arizonans numerous pathways for growth, and registered apprenticeships pave the way toward journey-level statuses, supervisory roles, or even launching contracting firms.
“This grant directly enhances apprenticeship opportunities across Arizona, helping the next generation of skilled professionals who share our commitment to pride and ownership.”
Vanessa Andersen – Executive Vice President, Rummel Construction, Inc.
“Everyday I show up and learn something new. I’ve gotten many opportunities to operate a variety of machines. It’s helped me out both professionally and personally.”
Juan Rios – Rummel Construction, Inc. 2025 Heavy Equipment Operator Graduate
Governor Hobbs and OEO have continued to expand awareness through the BuildItAZ Initiative’s multimedia campaign, designed to inspire the next generation of builders and showcase construction as a high-demand, high-opportunity career path. The new BuildItAZ website helps potential job seekers better understand careers in construction and then connects them to registered apprenticeship programs throughout the state.
