PHOENIX — As Arizona faces shortages in industries like healthcare, tech and manufacturing, a new state commission promises to fill the workforce gaps.
Horne announced the creation of the Arizona Education Economic Commission. It’s purpose is to expand existing career and technical programs with more well-paying job opportunities for teens graduating high school.Arizona Department of Education Chief Strategy Officer Edward Cota will chair the new commission. The alliance of business and community leaders includes TSMC, Banner Health, Raytheon, U-Haul, and a dozen other companies.
Switzerland and the U.S. have a federal memorandum of understanding in place to share best practices in education. Swiss high school graduates who participate in the rigorous apprenticeship programs earn similar salaries as those with four-year college degrees, Bonadurer said.Tina Waddington, executive director of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, said she then approached the superintendent’s office.
For example, a student could apply for an apprenticeship at microchip maker TSMC and after earning a high school degree, begin working full time at the company with a $70,000 annual salary, Cota said.