Start a Career in Manufacturing

It’s never too early or too late to get started in a rewarding career in manufacturing. In Tucson’s thriving manufacturing sector, the need for a strong, skilled workforce is critical to keep the sector healthy and growing. The need has never been greater for employees with the right skill set. 

Growing Need for Machinists

The Arizona Commerce Authority’s December 2016 Employment Report indicates manufacturing as one of five areas of gain over the month. Recent long-term projections from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) projects for the period of 2014-2024 Arizona will add 1,130 machinist jobs. However, there are also individuals who will leave the machinist occupation during this decade. OEO projects this to be 1,561 machinist jobs. When the two groups are combined, Arizona will have 2,691 machinist opportunities from 2014 to 2024. SAMP and Pima County One-Stop’s Youth Career Connect project is teaming up to address this workforce gap.

2017 Southern Arizona Manufacturing Partnership (SAMP) Internship Program

Youth Career Connect (YCC) High School participants graduating from Desert View High School and Tucson High Magnet School precision machining programs in May 2017 and submitted applications for the SAMP Internship Program were invited to interview on April 6, 2017 with 18 SAMP members. These employers will

Internship Requirements and Process:

• Youth Career Connect participant since Junior year of High School at Desert View High School or Tucson High Magnet School
• Submit an application packet including a letter clearly stating why you wish to be accepted into the SAMP internship program and a completed candidate valuation form
• Attend interview(s), application session(s), and symposium(s) as needed prior to June 6, 2017
• Completion of a High School diploma or GED by June 5, 2017
• Available for work related internship beginning June 5, 2017. This work experience will continue along with classroom hours at PCC throughout the 20-month program
• 18 years of age by June 5, 2017
• Assessed at a 10th grade level (or higher) math level per One-Stop Test of Adult Education (TABE) and PCC assessments
• Must be U.S. Citizen or have a current work permit allowing you to work in the U.S. in order to be provided an internship
• Give FULL commitment to the program including internship and college classes
• Attend ALL program classes at PCC as scheduled and attain passing grades in each class throughout the 20-month program.