Habitat for Humanity launches new Construction Training Program

The first in a series of segments compiled as a collaboration between the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and Arizona PBS, this segment centers around jobs and the economy.

CFA surveyed Arizonans about what kind of Arizona they would like to see. The survey results unearthed seven shared values amongst Arizonans. CFA then did a deeper dive and looked at ways to take action and make Arizona more fair and equitable for all.

Specifically, Arizonans want higher paying jobs, but they recognize the challenge in order to get them is to also get specialized training or skills. The higher-paying jobs in Arizona right now are construction, healthcare and tech. All require special training that you cannot get “on the job.”

Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President and CEO of Center For The Future of Arizona, joined Arizona Horizon to discuss CFA’s Gallup Poll Project.

In line with values discovered in CFA’s Gallup Poll Project, Habitat for Humanity’s new Construction Training Program is a free program teaching specialized construction skills, from how to read blueprints to how to use power tools. The trainees receive hands-on help and a chance to interview with top construction companies. The trainees also earn a special certification enabling them to start working as soon as they finish training.

“The Center For The Future of Arizona is very much focused on what matters to Arizonans and building an agenda based on where Arizonans can come together. So the Gallup Project really grew out of our desire to better understand and deeply understand what Arizonans want and care about and also identify…,” said Francis. 

The Center for The Future of Arizona aims to find what matters the most in Arizona and what’s important to residents. 

“We’re a non-partisan organization, when we survey Arizonans we really want to deeply understand what matters to Arizonans,” said Francis.