Arizona Technology Council: Virtual Tech Speaker Series – Workforce Innovation in Action: Apprenticeships and AI from Industry Leaders

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring leaders from Lucid Motors, Chipotle, and the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board as they explore how Arizona businesses are addressing workforce challenges, embracing emerging technologies, and building talent pipelines for the future.

Panel:

• Steve Clark, Executive Director, Maricopa County Workforce Development Board
• John Marshall, Director of Facilities, Chipotle
• Michael Cruz, Senior Manager, Policy & Community Impact, Lucid Motors

Key Take-aways:

• Apprenticeships are becoming a primary pipeline, not a backup plan
  Leading employers like Lucid Motors and Chipotle are using apprenticeships to build skilled talent faster, reduce hiring gaps, and create more accessible career pathways.
• AI is transforming operations and the skills required to support them
  From mining to facilities management, AI is driving efficiency and decision-making, but it also requires upskilling workers and rethinking training models to keep pace with technology.
• Public–private partnerships are essential to meet workforce demand
  Programs from the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board highlight how collaboration between industry, education, and government is critical to aligning talent pipelines with Arizona’s evolving business needs.

Who Should Attend:

• Business leaders, HR professionals, manufacturing, chip manufacturing, workforce development specialists, educators, aerospace, hospitality, entrepreneurs, journeymen, and anyone interested in Arizona’s economic growth and talent development.