Phoenix Sky Harbor Earns Level 3 Workforce Development Accreditation

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been awarded Level 3 in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation Program, recognizing the airport’s extensive efforts to strengthen talent pipelines, expand career pathways, and invest in employee training across the organization. The honor was presented during the Airports Council International – North America & Airports Council International World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition.

Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said the recognition reflects the airport’s long-standing commitment to developing current and future aviation professionals. “We’re excited that our efforts are being recognized by the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation Program and look forward to continuing to build on the work we’ve done to elevate aviation opportunities in Phoenix,” he said.

Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of only four airports to achieve Level 3 or higher, and one of just 12 organizations participating in the program during its inaugural year. This also marks the airport’s first year in the accreditation process.

The Airport Workforce Development Accreditation evaluates airports across five progressive levels: Building the Base, Nurturing Talent, Cultivating Connections, Extending Influence, and Shaping Tomorrow. To obtain Level 3—Cultivating Connections—participants demonstrate community outreach, talent pipeline development, and structured internal growth programs.

Phoenix Sky Harbor’s application highlighted initiatives such as its monthly job fairs, which have connected job seekers with airport employers since 2021; structured onboarding and role-specific training for Aviation Department employees; and longstanding partnerships with schools and youth organizations that introduce students to STEAM-related careers in aviation. Recent youth-focused programs include behind-the-scenes tours developed with the Support Sky Harbor Coalition and New Pathways for Youth.

The airport plans to continue enhancing its workforce efforts as it progresses toward higher accreditation levels.

More information about current job opportunities and upcoming hiring events is available at skyharbor.com/jobs. Details on the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation Program can be found at astrongerairportworkforce.org.