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When it comes to connecting job seekers to paid apprenticeships, Maricopa County does it best, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). 

The federal agency recently ranked the county No. 1 in the nation for the number of people it places into registered apprenticeship programs who received support through its . 

Now, the successful Registered Apprenticeshipprogram is expanding into new sectors, providing more opportunities to residents at a time when demand for new careers is high, county officials said. 

This is a proven path for many, including low-income adults and youth, to have a higher quality of life, said Clint Hickman, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

鈥淭he program gives hundreds of people each year a pathway out of poverty, putting them to work right away in industries where they can build a career,鈥� he said.

Expanding into new industry sectors beyond construction 

Up to this point, the RA program has focused primarily on building partnerships within the construction industry, including electrical and sheet metal work, pipefitting, welding, plumbing, and heat and A/C installation and repair.

The county currently is working with the Arizona Department of Economic Security to support two new apprenticeship programs in auto mechanics and IT. It鈥檚 also seeking new partnerships with companies in sectors like healthcare, insurance and information technology. 

Expanding to include apprentices from criminal justice system

The program is also increasing efforts to help individuals in the criminal justice system who often face significant challenges upon release in getting and maintaining employment, said Matt McGuire, chairman of the , which assists the supervisors in strategic planning and oversight of workforce development goals. 

The idea is to become more innovative in its approach to connect citizens to 鈥済ood jobs,鈥� McGuire said.  

Employment rate above 93 percent

DOL statistics show that the employment rate for apprenticeship participants in the county program was 93.6 percent in 2019. That鈥檚 higher than any other type of job training offered by the county, and significantly higher than the 62.2 percent employment rate for basic career services, the county said. 

During the fiscal 2019 program year, Maricopa County had 660 apprentice participants. In the fiscal 2020 program, 570 apprentices have enrolled so far. 

鈥淭his program was exactly what I needed after I was laid off from a job in the construction industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥� said Matthew Conroy, a recent participant. 鈥淕etting paid as an electrician apprentice allows me to grow in an industry I鈥檓 passionate about, and the paycheck is helping me pay for schooling at the .鈥�

How to get an apprenticeship 

Depending on a job seeker鈥檚 needs, Maricopa County may cover part or all the cost of the first year of an apprenticeship. There are a few ways a person can get an apprenticeship through Maricopa County鈥檚 RA program including:

• Look for jobs and services through
• Search available apprenticeships at:
• Be referred for an apprenticeship by an employer

For employers interested in offering apprenticeships Employers interested in offering apprenticeships through the county鈥檚 program can explore opportunities at: