SMTA Hosts Workforce Development Roundtable at Arizona Expo

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SMTA, a leading advocate for workforce development and education supporting the electronics manufacturing community, will host a roundtable discussion focused on workforce development challenges in Arizona during the SMTA Arizona Expo and Tech Forum, at 8:30am on November 14, 2023, at the Double Tree by Hilton Mesa in Mesa, Arizona. The event also marks the official launch of the SMTA Arizona Workforce Development Collaborative.

Sponsored by the City of Peoria, Arizona, the roundtable discussion is titled “Growing the Future Workforce.” This session will demonstrate how invested industry support can help share academic programs to address this critical need. Panelists will represent the economic development sector, area schools and colleges, as well as local manufacturing companies.

SMTA’s work force development efforts leverage strong local and regional support to bring together industry and academia to address regionally specific workforce challenges. The SMTA Arizona Workforce Development Collaborative will focus on several key areas, including:

• Education and Training: Developing accessible training programs and resources to equip local talent with the skills needed to excel in electronics manufacturing.
• Employer Engagement: Facilitating dialogues between regional employers and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between industry needs and employee skills.
• Job Placement Services: Creating pathways for local jobseekers to access quality employment opportunities, ultimately reducing unemployment and underemployment rates.
• Career Development: Promoting lifelong learning and professional development to empower individuals with a pathway to career advancement within the electronics manufacturing industry.

Tara Dunn, Director of Training and Education with SMTA, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our workforce development collaborative in Arizona at the upcoming local expo. This initiative symbolizes our commitment to empowering individuals in our community with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the dynamic field of electronics manufacturing.”

Jennifer Stein, Director of Economic Development with the City of Peoria, commented, "The City of Peoria is proud to partner with the SMTA and excited to sponsor this vital roundtable discussion around innovative tech workforce development solutions. As a rapidly-growing corridor of high-tech manufacturing, Peoria is focused on continuing to build workforce strategies to strengthen the regional talent through creative partnerships and new micro electric curriculum programs that are being offered in Peoria High Schools.”