News
Arizona Western College opens Future48 Workforce Accelerator to power high-wage careers in Wellton
May 6, 2026Wellton, Ariz. (May 6, 2026) – Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College officially opened the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton, Ariz., a 5,600-square-foot facility designed to expand hands-on training in high-demand industries.
To celebrate the event, Arizona Western College (AWC) leadership was joined by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), local government, academic leaders, and construction partners.
“We are delivering economic opportunity to Yuma County and rural Arizona,” said Governor Hobbs. “I have made it a priority to ensure every Arizonan, no matter where they live, has access to the education and training needed to succeed in our growing economy. This Future48 Workforce Accelerator will prepare Arizonans for family-sustaining careers in critical industries that are driving our state’s economy forward.”
Designed to meet the evolving needs of regional employers, the multi-purpose facility supports training in electrical technology, advanced manufacturing, broadband fiber optics, and solar installation. A standout feature of the building is its adaptability—high ceilings and large bi-fold doors create a space where equipment can be easily reconfigured as workforce demands change.
“Arizona Western College is proud to celebrate the opening of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton as a major step forward in strengthening our region’s workforce ecosystem,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs. “This facility represents the power of collaboration between education, industry, and community partners to create real pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers. We are excited about the opportunities this center will provide to our students and the long-term economic impact it will have across Yuma County and beyond.”
Program development is guided by direct input from industry partners, ensuring alignment with real workforce needs. These partners include TRAX International, the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, General Motors Desert Proving Ground, The Gowan Company, ALLO Fiber, D&H Electric, Sunray Electric, and Yuma Electric.
“We’re excited to see the Future48 Workforce Accelerator officially open,” said Randy Polage, Instrumentation and Data Services Manager for TRAX International. “This facility reflects the strong partnership between AWC and local industry, strengthening hands-on training aligned with workforce needs and helping ensure Yuma’s workforce is prepared to meet current and future demand in support of our industry and military partners.”
The Accelerator is supported by a $3.6 million investment from the ACA to design, construct, and equip the facility, positioning Wellton and AWC as a key hub for workforce innovation in the region. The building was designed by local engineering firm Sternco Engineers and built by Pilkington Construction Company.
“The opening of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton showcases Arizona’s commitment to growing our skilled workforce statewide, including rural communities,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The new facility will provide customized training that expands economic opportunity and meets the needs of industry. We are grateful to Governor Hobbs, Arizona Western College, and all of the industry partners for their collaboration to strengthen the talent pipeline in Yuma County and rural Arizona.”
This facility is part of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator network, a $30 million investment by the ACA to establish advanced manufacturing training facilities across the state in partnership with local community colleges. The Future48 network includes facilities in Kingman, Tucson, Mesa, Phoenix, Apache Junction, and Pinal County.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
Contact:
Alyssa Tufts
Vice President of Public Relations
Arizona Commerce Authority
alyssat@azcommerce.com