Workforce Training
Companies located in Superior directly benefit from a wealth of industry-focused customized workforce development and training programs available throughout the State of Arizona.
These programs are primarily developed and managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority in concert with business and industry, educational institutions and training institutes, and local governments.
Overview
There are more than 20 public and private vocational training institutes, as well as high performing community colleges that offer customized training for business and industry, located in Pinal County and the Phoenix Metro Area.
Employers receive dedicated resources through this vast network as well as through ARIZONA@WORK and the Superior Enterprise Center, which collaborate together as well as with community colleges, universities and specialized training providers.
Building Arizona’s Workforce of Tomorrow
Arizona is leading the charge in developing a robust talent pipeline to support its growing high-tech economy. With record-level investments in high-tech manufacturing, multi-billion-dollar commitments from global leaders in biosciences and semiconductors and groundbreaking advancements in the biosciences, the state is strategically paving the way for a diverse and highly skilled workforce.
Statewide initiatives are bolstered by local, regional and state-level partnerships with higher education institutions and workforce accelerators. These collaborative efforts ensure that cutting-edge technology and industry-relevant coursework are readily accessible, enabling workers to gain the skills they need efficiently and effectively. Arizona’s targeted focus on innovation and education is creating a fast-track to rewarding career pathways while supporting the evolving needs of businesses and industries across the state.
As reported by Business Facilities Magazine in April 2025, these efforts reflect a strong commitment to aligning educational advancements with the demands of global industries, solidifying Arizona’s position as a hub for innovation and opportunity.
Arizona’s Future48 Workforce Accelerators are training programs that connect students with skills needed for jobs in advanced manufacturing industries. The program, which started with Drive48, provides hands-on training in facilities like the one in Pinal County, which focuses on automotive manufacturing. The network has expanded to include centers in other locations like Yuma, Kingman and Phoenix, with a focus on industries like automotive, battery and semiconductors.
ARIZONA@WORK
ARIZONA@WORK offers comprehensive workforce development programs designed to assist both job seekers and employers.
The organization provides training and customized workforce development services, including incumbent worker training, on-the-job training and customized training programs tailored to specific employer needs. These programs help workers acquire necessary skills to retain employment and support employers in meeting their staffing requirements.
ARIZONA@WORK’s services are available at no charge, thanks to federal funding, and they aim to strengthen the local economy by matching skilled workers with employment opportunities.
Superior Enterprise Center
The Superior Enterprise Center is uniquely equipped to develop a workforce that is able to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers. Through its strong partnerships with local businesses and regional educational institutions, the Superior Enterprise Center provides customized employer-oriented training programs that align with the requirements of in-demand occupations.
The Superior Enterprise Center closely collaborates with industry leaders and academic experts to ensure its training programs are not only relevant but also forward-thinking, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in high-demand careers.
The Center’s programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of both job seekers and employers, fostering economic growth and community prosperity.
Current Specialized Training Programs
There are several available specialized training programs, including topics such as aviation and technology, metal art and welding, among others. Many of these courses are accredited college courses offered through the Superior Enterprise Center’s partnership with Central Arizona College. The current course offerings are:
Aerial Engagement/Superior Soaring Camps: The Skyward Youth Academy program offers young people an engaging and dynamic experience through immersive STEM aviation activities. Participants learn to calculate flight slope, understand momentum, determine weight and balance and perform vector analysis related to aircraft forces. They also become familiar with aeronautical charts and various units of measurement, such as statute miles and nautical miles. Selected students enjoy 10 exciting days of aviation education, culminating in a one-on-one glider flight with an instructor.
• Aviation 101: Grades 5-8
• Initial Pilot Prep: Grades 6-12
Welding Training: Collaborating with Central Arizona College’s Welding Department, the Superior Enterprise Center has designed a robust curriculum that aligns with industry standards and offers valuable, transferable certifications. The current course offerings are:
• Introduction to Metal Art – An introduction to the identification and use of the primary steel cutting and welding processes. Students will have an opportunity to express their creative side. The focus of the course is to combine the use of industrial tools and the welding process to create a work of art.
• WLD 110 – Survey of Welding – Introductory accredited course with a focus on the fundamentals and safety related to the Oxyfuel, Plasma Arc and Carbon Arc cutting processes. Also included are the welding processes of Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc and Flux-cored Arc welding. The course is designed for the beginner who requires a basic knowledge of welding.
• WLD 222 – Gas Metal Arc Welding – This accredited welding course focuses on short-circuiting, spraying and globular transferring of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and flux-cored welding in the flat and horizontal positions, with an emphasis on proper use and care of equipment and safety procedures. Prerequisite: WLD110.
Youth Techie Camps: In collaboration with AZ StRUT, the Superior Enterprise Center provides students in grades 6-12 with an exciting opportunity to explore the inner workings of a laptop.
Participants disassemble and reassemble laptops, gaining hands-on experience with each component. Upon completing the camp, students receive a free laptop.
Visit the Entrepreneurs page to learn more about Superior’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.