Beyond the Cap and Gown: How the Arizona Builders Alliance Graduation Demonstrates Arizona’s Economic Future Is Built on Apprenticeships

In May and June, friends, family and loved ones gather in auditoriums across the state, elated to celebrate their graduates' hard work and accomplishments.

Among Arizona’s graduates this season were 35 electrical apprentices from the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA), a leading trade association for contractors in Arizona. “It’s been a long four years. My wife and I started with one, and now we have three (kids),” said Austin McCain, ABA Apprenticeship Graduate. “It’s a better career, better opportunities, and, at my company, I’m able to move up now. So, it’s awesome and a really great opportunity.”

The ABA graduates were joined not only by families and ABA members, but also by local noteworthy speakers such as Joann Bueno, DES State Apprenticeship Program Director; Tom Cole, Register of Contractors Director; Adrian Fontes, Secretary of State; and industry professionals from the companies where the graduates already work.

"Watching these apprentices reach this milestone is incredibly rewarding,” said Kyleen DeMember, ABA sponsor from Kearney Electric. “Over the past four years, they've balanced demanding jobs, evening classes, and family responsibilities with remarkable dedication."

Affordable Career Pathways to High-Paying Jobs

For 85 years, registered apprenticeship programs like ABA’s have provided Arizonans with immediate financial stability and long-term career growth. While these 35 graduates are moving into the electrical trade, their success is a blueprint for Arizona’s broader economy, as the state explodes into a hub for semiconductors, cybersecurity and other cutting-edge fields that require a different kind of talent.

“One of our graduates actually works in our corporate offices as a project manager after working in the field, so [the program] provides a lot of exciting opportunities to expand their skills further,” said Cat Osorio from Kearney Electric.

Building a Sustainable Workforce

For Arizona businesses, registered apprenticeships are the ultimate recruitment and retention tool. With a 93% retention rate nationally, apprenticeship programs allow employers to grow their own talent, ensuring workers are trained to exact industry standards. "Registered apprenticeships are one of the best investments we can make in our people and in the future of our industry. When a company invests in its employees' growth, it builds loyalty, strengthens retention, and creates highly skilled professionals who are prepared for long-term careers." DeMember said.

Arizona businesses, employers and sponsors find registered apprenticeships reliable with a proven record of success. “DES identifies qualified education programs and holds them to a high standard,” said ABA Director of Apprenticeship, Sidney Hawkins. “This translates into a more qualified workforce, long-term employees dedicated to their career and continual solutions to address the labor shortage facing Arizona.”

Whether you are a job-seeker looking for a debt-free path to a career that offers financial stability, or an employer searching for dedicated, skilled talent, the blueprint for success exists. It’s time to stop fighting the labor shortage the old way and start building from the ground up. To get involved, explore the DES Apprenticeship Program webpage.