Together, we will continue to shape a future filled with possibilities and opportunities for all. 
This last year was a year that the board dedicated to recuperating from the effects of the pandemic, which caused many challenges in recruiting workers and the retention of workers in the workplace. Our offices were no different from any other business or industry in an effort to retain employees. For all of our system partners, the great resignation is real. With much research, design and patience we all continue to find the best practices for recruitment and retention. Yavapai County demonstrated agility and adaptability in our approach to address these challenges, enabling us to continue making a positive impact. This year, we served 12,710 individuals, with more than 830 jobs created and more than $31 million dollars reinvested back into our economy.
Something we all know and understand is CHANGE. The new era of labor has changed the way we do business. It changed our team approach and has definitely changed our cost of doing business under the high wage rates averaged to be more than $24 per hour in Yavapai County.
I am a strong believer in saying together we can achieve more, together we can make a difference. In the WIOA system ARIZONA@WORK, we are strong and we are successful because our leadership at the Workforce Development Board and the Board of Supervisors share the same belief system: We believe unlocking one’s potential is a key ingredient to becoming better.
Pillars to Success:
Engaging Partnerships: Together with our partners, we have forged meaningful relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to create a robust ecosystem of workforce development.
Nurturing Talent: We take immense pride in assisting individuals in their professional journeys. Throughout this year, we have provided a diverse range of training programs, workshops and career counseling services, empowering job seekers with the confidence, skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the modern job market.
Fostering Inclusivity: We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our quest for a vibrant and inclusive workforce. Our efforts to promote diversity and equal opportunities have resulted in a stronger, more resilient talent pool.
Data-Driven Strategies: Emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, we have purchased Talent Insights to assist us in leveraging comprehensive labor market information and feedback from stakeholders to design and implement targeted programs that yield optimal results.
Looking Ahead:
As we move forward, we stay committed to building on our achievements and learning from our stresses, and challenging our teams with even more ambitious goals. We aim to expand our partnerships, training opportunities, and enhance support systems for our workforce success.
In this pursuit, we invite community leaders to contribute actively to our mission. Your insights, dedication and collaboration are invaluable in driving the growth and prosperity of Yavapai County’s workforce.
The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board mission is to “Build Economic Success through Workforce Development Partnerships.”
I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire workforce development community, including the Board, our staff, partners, employers and job seekers, for their unwavering commitment and support. Together, we will continue to shape a future filled with possibilities and opportunities for all. QCBN
By Teri Drew
Teri Drew is the executive director of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.
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