By Erin Thorburn | AZ Big Media
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” One thing the West Valley does not lack is imagination for what’s to come. As one of the fastest-growing regions in Arizona and the country, West Valley economic leaders and planners have been anticipating and preparing for the expansion of several targeted industries. Among some of the fastest growing of these sectors are healthcare, advanced manufacturing and technology. Naturally, as these industries continue to expand in the West Valley, so will the demand for skilled labor and a talented workforce in these fields.
Can the West Valley provide the talent needed to pace targeted-industry growth in these areas? Stakeholders, city leaders and statistics certainly project yes!
According to a report conducted by WESTMARC, 36% of healthcare workers, 34% of manufacturing employees and 23% of professional, scientific and technical services professionals reside in the West Valley.
“When you look at Maricopa County and break the region into roughly one-third, we clearly have our share of the workforce — holding our own in the market,” says Sintra Hoffman, president and CEO of WESTMARC. The areas that we’re still trying to grow — about the 33% mark — we’re doing so with our strong partnerships with education communities, connecting them to the business community.”
