It’s hard to do a web search these days without having multiple post-secondary institutions pop up with their ads promoting a degree that will land you a great career. Before you consider calling around for the most affordable and flexible place to get an additional certification, more training, or an advanced degree, take the time to identify which industries are going to be in a growth mode in the metro Phoenix area for the foreseeable future.
- Manufacturing – This is an area that is rebounding in Phoenix. If you don’t mind a commute, you may find manufacturing plants in Avondale, Queen Creek, or Gila Bend. Some companies that had layoffs a year or two ago may also be getting support from the federal government to increase production.
- Aerospace – With companies such as Honeywell’s multiple locations in metro Phoenix, this is another field to consider making a switch to. If you have technical skills in another industry, look into what you would need to specifically do to make it in aerospace.
- Construction – Residential construction hasn’t quite made a rebound yet, but commercial construction is definitely on the upswing.
- Energy – Beyond APS and SRP, there are more and more energy companies expanding or moving to the Valley of the Sun. Whether you get skills in solar or natural gas may depend on where you live and what plants are closest to you, so do the research first.
Once you have identified the skills needed to move into one of these areas, check out what training is available through the Maricopa Community Colleges. Recently MCC embarked on specialized apprenticeship programs in energy to meet the needs of this expanding industry in Arizona. You may be surprised by how affordable and accessible the training you need can be.
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