Governor Katie Hobbs joined Pima Community College, the Arizona Commerce Authority, local officials, and industry leaders on March 19 to celebrate the opening of the Flexible Industry Training (FIT) Lab, a Future48 Workforce Accelerator, at Pima Community College’s downtown campus in Tucson. The FIT Lab is designed as an advanced manufacturing training facility to address the workforce needs of Southern Arizona employers.
The launch of this facility is seen as important for preparing workers for jobs in rapidly changing industries and supporting economic growth in the region. The event included participation from Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Nasse of Pima Community College, Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, representatives from Pima County, and industry partners such as American Battery Factory.
“Arizona’s growing economy is fueled by a skilled workforce,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “The newest Future48 Workforce Accelerator will expand workforce training opportunities, helping Arizonans gain advanced skills and build family-sustaining careers.”
Dr. Jeffrey P. Nasse said: “Southern Arizona’s economic future depends on our ability to prepare talent for rapidly changing industries. The FIT Lab gives Pima the ability to deliver flexible, market-driven training using the same advanced technologies found in advanced manufacturing. It furthers the College’s position as the region’s leading provider of workforce development and strengthens Arizona’s competitiveness in advanced industry.”
Sandra Watson said: “The FIT Lab will support Southern Arizona’s high-growth industries and represents an exciting addition to the Future48 Workforce Accelerator network. We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, Chancellor Nasse, and Pima Community College, and all of our partners for their continued leadership and collaboration.”
American Battery Factory President John Kem added: “American Battery Factory is proud of our work with Pima Community College on its important effort to build and now complete the FIT Lab Training Center. We look forward to working together going forward on workforce training programs for our highly technical manufacturing factory in Pima County.”
The FIT Lab occupies 10,000 square feet within PCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Building and was developed with input from local employers through PCC’s Workforce Development division. It offers hands-on training using equipment similar to that used by area manufacturers. Unlike traditional academic programs tied to semester schedules, it provides customized training at flexible times based on employer demand.
Pima Community College collaborated with the Arizona Commerce Authority through its Future48 Workforce Accelerator program to upgrade the new lab with $3.2 million in support from ACA. This partnership aims to expand innovative training opportunities for Arizona’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.
According to a September 12 announcement by the Arizona Commerce Authority, economic development efforts led by ACA resulted in a record number of projected jobs for Fiscal Year 2022—24,186 new jobs—and $10.75 billion invested into communities across Arizona.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerators are a network of facilities established with community colleges across several cities including Tucson that provide hands-on training for high-tech careers in fields such as manufacturing, battery technology, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense.
With its adaptable structure designed around current industry needs and technologies, PCC’s FIT Lab aims to remain responsive as local manufacturers evolve their operations.
