Workforce Development Impacts

The Yavapai County Workforce Development Board (WDB), a County-appointed group of private sector business professionals, educators and public sector leaders within Yavapai County, recently adopted a “continuous improvement” mindset as it relates to the work of overseeing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs for building a highly skilled talent pipeline through a public sector/private sector partnership with the state, county, training providers, local employers and job seekers. The WDB appointed a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) to develop the framework for kaizen. The committee conducted a survey to determine member perception of the values that set the parameters of the board operations. The following 10 values statements were identified as most important to the work and future of the WDB:

• We are here for the benefit of our community and the individuals we serve.
• We exhibit the courage to take on big challenges.
• We value innovation.
• We are accountable to each other.
• Our actions always enhance the credibility of this body.
• Every individual associated with this board is treated with dignity and respect.
• The individual strengths of board members are leveraged for the good of the body.
• We are committed to continuous improvement.
• Every activity is carried out with a commitment to excellence.
• The principles of honesty, dignity and respect govern our interactions with each other.

The WDB has begun to implement initiatives for the continuous improvement of Yavapai County’s workforce development processes by choosing to focus on current trending needs for in-demand occupations. Elevating partnerships with Certified Nursing Assistant and Practical and Vocational Nursing Certifications training providers for a sustainable healthcare industry, as well as training providers for Commercial Driver License (CDL) and related supply chain industry clusters is key to making a vital difference in our communities. Supporting training providers that offer opportunities in entrepreneurship and self-employment in vocations such as cosmetology helps build the business economy and provide alternative career options for individuals seeking flexibility and independence in their financial goals.

The WDB serves the Yavapai County communities in tangible and impactful ways. Here are some statistics you may not know:

• Yavapai County Population – 241,173
• Yavapai County Labor Force – 106,959
• Average Employment Level – 64,650
• Average Wage – $23.24 per hour

The ARIZONA@WORK Yavapai County System served 14,883 clients during Program Year 2021-22 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022), and our most current data show 406 jobs created and $19,625,715 reinvested back into the local economy in wages alone.

Yavapai County unemployment only two years ago was 9% – compare that to today’s unemployment level of 2.8%! Yavapai County, when compared to the rest of the state (Arizona’s unemployment rate is 3.3%) and the United States (U.S. unemployment rate is 3.6%), shows higher levels of employed individuals; however, the demand for workers in Yavapai County exceeds the supply of workers. QCBN

By Teri Drew

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