Good news for residents of Queen Creek, Wickenburg, and Gila Bend in Maricopa County. The County Board of Supervisors has recently approved the extension of the Workforce 2 You job training program, which means more opportunities are on the horizon for various members of these rural communities. This initiative, fueled by a $500,000 grant from the Governor's Office, aims to serve a range of individuals, including youth, dislocated workers, and veterans.
The program's reach and capacity are expanding. Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart of District 1 emphasized the strategic significance of job training initiatives, stating, "By investing in job training programs and extending access into rural communities like Queen Creek, we are building our local talent pipeline and supporting economic development in the East Valley and all of Maricopa County," according to the Maricopa County website. There's also a notable rise in classes to be offered; from the initial setup, the program will now support eight classes for a total of 96 participants. It offers training in sectors currently in demand, like healthcare and manufacturing, which could strengthen the local economy and labor force.
Supervisor Debbie Lesko from District 4 underlined the Board’s support for the program in a statement saying, "By removing critical barriers such as costs and distance, this valuable program will help the residents of Wickenburg and other rural communities in Maricopa County connect with the resources they need to thrive," as mentioned on the Maricopa County website. Workforce 2 You has a distinctive feature in that it provides no-cost training to participants; additionally, it supplies transportation and necessary tools.
Addressing the needs of Gila Bend's predominantly Hispanic or Latino community, Supervisor Steve Gallardo from District 5 pointed out the importance of comprehensive resources, including English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. He said, "No matter what part of town they live in, Maricopa County residents deserve the opportunity to benefit from high-quality career training and job opportunities," as reported by the county's official website. The program's extension is a commitment to providing equitable access to vocational resources for the county's diversified populace.
It's worth noting that the county's Human Services Department Workforce Development Career Centers were visited close to 20,000 times in the fiscal year 2024, a testament to the demand for such services. According to their official site, more than 3,255 residents engaged with individualized services to pursue training in in-demand industries. For more information on the job-seeking assistance provided by the Workforce Development in Maricopa County, visit Maricopa.gov/WDD.
