Pima County has obtained a $5.4 million federal grant to support a regional effort that will prepare and train 940 young people for critical jobs in local technology industries.

“The companies who formed the Southern Arizona Manufacturing Partners knew we were going to have a shortage of skilled machinists,” said Don Theriault, president of Industrial Tool, Die and Engineering. “We were able to work with Pima County to better coordinate high school and community college programs, and create internships and mentoring opportunities that lead to certificates and jobs. It’s a team effort that gets young people on track, fills employer needs and benefits the local economy.”

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