Public/Private Partnerships Develop New Pipeline of Skilled Labor for Construction Industry, In-Demand Careers

June 2022

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $1,390,449 in funding to provide career training opportunities for county residents, bolstering the pipeline of skilled labor for the construction industry and in-demand careers.

The May 18 vote provided $720,978 in funding to Chicanos Por La Causa and $669,471 to Grand Canyon University for a pathway that will connect high school graduates and those with a GED to careers in the construction industry and other in-demand careers where skilled labor is in high demand but short supply.

“Whether it’s construction workers helping us improve and expand our infrastructure, or nurses working ‘round-the-clock to serve our growing population, we need more skilled workers in industries that impact everyone’s quality of life,” said Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “Training people to fill in-demand jobs right here in Maricopa County is not just good for individual workers, it’s good for our economy and overall wellbeing.”

Chicanos Por La Causa will provide career exploration and career guidance services to help eligible low-income career seekers define a specific roadmap for how to achieve their ideal career goals. The program will focus on connecting participants to the training, apprenticeships, and educational pathways to develop the required skills and certifications that lay a foundation for long-term career advancement. Services are offered at no cost to eligible participants through this one-year program.

“Our programs work to help individuals and families achieve upward economic mobility. This will be a great opportunity to continue our mission of providing quality career training and guidance to the communities we serve,” said David Adame, Chicanos Por La Causa President & CEO. “We are able to provide a broad range of options to job seekers to meet their needs thanks to the support of community partners like Maricopa County. Together, we empower more people, enabling generational wealth and self-sufficiency through a more qualified workforce.”

Grand Canyon University is offering a pre-apprenticeship pathway that will train participants in one 15-week semester to begin the process of becoming an electrician. Tuition is fully-funded enabling these courses to be offered at no cost to the first 80 qualified participants. The pre-apprenticeship will begin in September 2022 at GCU’s Phoenix campus. Job growth for electricians is expected to grow* by 9% in the next 8 years offering a median pay of more than $60,000 per year.

“Trade industries are what helped build this country into an economic power and we need to bring them back,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “This pathway is a great example of industry, Maricopa County and GCU’s Institute for Workforce Development working together to solve a labor shortage that is impacting our economy. This one-semester course offering will help students master key concepts, especially in math, that will prepare them to enter an electricians apprentice program and quickly embark on a career that is in demand.”

In addition to providing these innovative college and career opportunities to develop long-term success and build a skilled workforce for in-demand careers, Maricopa County has invested more than $400 million in federal funding to help people recover from the effects of the pandemic.

These efforts have included:

• $2.6 million to fund legal representation for renters
• $6 million to strengthen the regional food bank system infrastructure
• $10.6 million to expand services to seniors and adults with disabilities
• $14.5 million to aid job seekers and expand access to workforce services
• $15 million to reinforce domestic violence support
• More than $30 million to provide heat relief and support services to people experiencing homelessness
• $65 million in affordable housing developments with a focus on seniors and veterans and down payment assistance for future homeowners, and
• More than $139 million in rental assistance

For more information on the financial, housing, legal, wellness, and educational assistance that is available from Maricopa County to help with recovery from the pandemic, visit Maricopa.gov/Rescue.

*Footnote: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians modified April 18, 2022.

About Maricopa County Human Services

As the fourth largest county in the nation home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Maricopa County’s population is large, growing, and more diverse than ever. Maricopa County’s Human Services Department has five divisions that provide services and programs to people of all ages and abilities to promote their well-being. From offering early education to career training and employment services to case management for aging and adults with disabilities– the Human Services Department serves as a leader in the region to support strong families, neighborhoods, and community relationships. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to eligible Maricopa County residents at HSD.maricopa.gov.

About Chicanos Por La Causa

Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) is a community development corporation that provides services in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Since 1969, CPLC has been changing lives by developing self-sufficiency and instilling empowerment in those we serve. Focus areas are advocacy, economic development, education, health & human services, and housing. CPLC provides a better life through offering business and employment opportunities; ensuring everyone has the solid foundation of an education; providing hope through a pathway of recovery, restoration, and resiliency; and ensuring that a safe, secure, affordable home is available to every individual we serve. CPLC has more than 30 programs and services, approximately 1,800 employees, and 160 locations making CPLC one of the largest community development corporations in the nation. For more information, please visit www.CPLC.org.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers nearly 300 academic programs, emphases, and certificates for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals. For more information, visit gcu.edu. Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Program Information