Mesa’s aerospace and defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator opened Oct 6. The 14,058-square-foot facility received $6.4 million from the Arizona Commerce Authority. Chandler-Gilbert Community College and its industry partners will use the new facility for aerospace manufacturing training, with nearly 1,000 students anticipated annually.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR ARIZONA
Workforce readiness is an important component of Arizona's ability to support and expand its space economy.
Manufacturing companies need access not only to facilities, equipment, and suppliers, but also to people with the technical skills required to produce increasingly complex components and systems.
Investments such as the Future48 Workforce Accelerator help strengthen the training infrastructure that supports aerospace and defense manufacturing.
For Arizona, expanding this capacity is a practical step toward connecting education, industry needs, and long-term economic development.
The 14,058-square-foot Future48 Workforce Accelerator will expand aerospace and defense manufacturing training in Arizona, with nearly 1,000 students expected annually.
Mesa has opened a new aerospace and defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator, expanding the region's capacity to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.
The facility officially opened October 6, 2026, supported by $6.4 million in funding from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA).
Chandler-Gilbert Community College and its industry partners will use the 14,058-square-foot facility to provide aerospace manufacturing training, with nearly 1,000 students anticipated annually.
Building Arizona's Aerospace Workforce
As aerospace and defense manufacturing continues to evolve, access to specialized workforce training remains an important part of developing industry capabilities.
The Future48 Workforce Accelerator creates additional training capacity for students preparing to enter the manufacturing workforce.
Through Chandler-Gilbert Community College and its industry partnerships, the facility will connect workforce education with the skills needed in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Connecting Education and Industry
The accelerator brings together community college training and industry participation, creating an opportunity to align workforce preparation with manufacturing needs.
This connection is particularly relevant for companies seeking employees with technical skills applicable to aerospace production.
With nearly 1,000 students anticipated annually, the facility represents a significant addition to the region's workforce development infrastructure.
Facility at a Glance
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Facility: Aerospace and Defense Future48 Workforce Accelerator
Opening Date: October 6, 2026
Facility Size: 14,058 square feet
ACA Funding: $6.4 million
Training Partner: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Anticipated Annual Students: Nearly 1,000
