Thursday, January 22, 2026

WECA is proud to announce that the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program has been named a grantee of Arizona's newly-awarded BuildItAZ grants for 2026.

On Jan. 7, Gov. 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 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 Gov. Hobbs in the press release. "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."

This new grant will help WECA continue to expand our training capacity, invest in equipment, continue and broaden our outreach and recruitment efforts, and provide additional support services to apprentices.

“We deeply appreciate both the opportunity and the support to help build more in the Arizona apprenticeship system, giving more men and women access to the great careers in skilled trades,” said Heath Anderson, WECA Arizona’s Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist.

WECA thanks Gov. Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity for helping WECA build a strong and diverse electrical workforce in Arizona and continue our mission to advance skills, safety, and professionalism in the Arizona electrical industry.