Teri Drew

From 2022 to 2032, the following employment trends are projected at the Arizona state level:

Arizona’s total employment is projected to increase to 3,797,484 jobs in 2032, from 3,319,516 jobs in 2022 (477,968 jobs, 1.4% annual change).

Arizona’s Education and Health Services (13,741 jobs annually) and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (9,642 jobs annually) are projected to record the largest numerical job gains.

Arizona’s Education and Health Services (1.9% annualized growth) and Professional and Business Services (1.6% annualized growth) are projected to record the strongest job growth rates.

Over the next 10 years, from 2022 to 2032, Yavapai County’s total employment is projected to gain 10,589 jobs (1.3% annually). Yavapai County’s super sectors are projected to record the following changes:

Education and Health Services is projected to gain 3,878 jobs (1.8% annually).

Trade Transportation and Utilities is projected to gain 1,758 jobs (1.2% annually).

Professional and Business Services is projected to gain 1,455 jobs (2.1% annually).

Leisure and Hospitality is projected to gain 1,352 jobs (1.1% annually).

Construction is projected to gain 1,053 jobs (1.7% annually).

Manufacturing is projected to gain 488 jobs (1.1% annually).

Financial Activities is projected to gain 329 jobs (1.2% annually).

Other Services is projected to gain 193 jobs (0.6% annually).

Natural Resources and Mining is projected to gain 146 jobs (0.7% annually).

Information is projected to gain 80 jobs (1.2% annually).

Government is projected to gain 14 jobs (0.0% annually).

Self-employed is projected to lose 157 jobs (-0.3% annually).

Information for all local area and state-level employment projections can be found at www.oeo.az.gov and includes downloadable data, interactive Tableau tools, and methodology documentation.

Additionally, the Office of Economic Opportunity will be releasing economic conditions reports for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-defined regions in early January, followed by short-term projections in February, and new in-demand industry and occupation rankings after the short-term release.

Our local ARIZONA@WORK-Yavapai County One-Stop Centers can also assist businesses and job seekers to learn more about labor market information. Call 928-778-1422 or email nacog_prescott@nacog.org to learn more. QCBN

By Teri Drew

Teri Drew is the executive director of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.

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.

I started the search for her replacement and a finance position almost eight weeks ago. The pay for this executive position is above the average wage for Yavapai County and includes 100% paid benefits. The first few weeks, there were no applicants – followed by a flood of individuals who applied but did not meet minimum requirements. I’m a believer of skills-based hiring, but applicants do need to demonstrate applicable skill sets to be selected for an interview.

Finally, three applicants to interview! Two were rather new to the area – two years or less. All interviewed well and demonstrated transferrable skill sets. As we moved forward with job offers, we found the need for flexibility to go beyond what a public service agency could offer.

One individual requested a minimum of $36 per hour and noted a few acceptance requirements – she could not begin work until after 8 a.m. and must end the day just before 4 p.m. The position is an exempt position with hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., as we are open to the public during these hours.

Another applicant was probably over-qualified and had five other interviews the same week she interviewed with us. While we felt we moved swiftly, at the time of hire, she had accepted another offer.

Applicant No. 3 was well-qualified and has been a top contender for the position – an offer is pending. In the meantime, two other well-qualified individuals have applied, and we are considering interviews to fill positions.

The moral of this story is:

• Always cross-train your team. I am fortunate to have others to fill in the gaps.
• Be flexible. My current executive assistant is working remotely to assist in keeping operations moving.
• Be patient. The applicants are out there. While the process may take longer to identify the right candidate, they are out there.
• Consider skills-based hiring. Offer a training program to help individuals develop skill sets, be open to change and hire with conscientiousness, leaving yourself sensitive to the ever-changing labor market – go with the flow!

Yavapai County’s unemployment rate continues to be low; currently at 2.7% (compared to 3.5% in the U.S. and 4.0% in Arizona). But, incumbent workers are on the move. Applicants are reaching for advancement opportunities. We advertise our positions on social media, our websites, publications and via word-of-mouth, which continues to be the best recruiter.

Good luck in your search, and reach out for assistance as needed – 928-778-1422. QCBN

By Teri Drew

Teri Drew is the Executive Director of the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board.