U.S. Department of Labor Praises ARZIONA@WORK City of Phoenix for Its On-the-Job Training Program

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/11

<div class="ExternalClassC98007C5D3B54414AF1066A43E920755"><div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW224815712 BCX0" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;overflow:visible;cursor:text;clear:both;direction:ltr;color:#000000;font-family:"segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;background-color:#ffffff;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW224815712 BCX0" style="margin-bottom:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;background-color:transparent;color:windowtext;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" class="TextRun SCXW224815712 BCX0" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;color:#0e101a;font-size:12pt;line-height:20.5042px;font-family:arial, arial_embeddedfont, arial_msfontservice, sans-serif;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW224815712 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"></span></span></p></div><div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The Department of Labor (DOL) visited the City of Phoenix to perform required state monitoring to evaluate workforce development programs led by Phoenix. The DOL’s employment and training division conducted virtual and in-person interviews with city staff, WIOA Title I participants, local board and staff members, service providers, local businesses, and visited the ARIZONA@WORK Job Center in south Phoenix. Following the interviews, the DOL commended Phoenix for its excellent work, stellar customer service, and premier execution of federally funded programs. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“I am proud to lead a city that goes above and beyond to connect its residents to career pathways and good-paying jobs. Earn-as-you-learn programs attract the best talent and ultimately set Phoenix families up for success, and I’m glad the Department of Labor got a glimpse into the work that makes this possible. We will continue leveraging federally funded programs at the local level to deliver great outcomes for Phoenicians,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The DOL conducted a one-on-one interview with Hercules Industries, a local business. Hercules Industries is a national manufacturer and wholesale distributor of HVAC sheet metal products and equipment. Hercules Industries took advantage of several city programs, including Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department’s Business Retention and Expansion programs and ARIZONA@WORK’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“We know how important it is to be leaders in workforce training and development if we want our community to continue to thrive. Programs such as the On-the-Job Training create pathways to opportunity for both the employee and employer, and I’m excited local businesses are utilizing these resources,” said Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Hercules Industries participated in the OJT program and received $36,672.70 for the fiscal year 2022-2023 after training and mentoring ten employees in various positions. The employees would only have qualified for the jobs with the OJT program.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Career-based learning programs are one of the many investments we’re making in our local community,” said Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado. “We set our residents up for success when we have programs that pay for job training and support local businesses.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The OTJ program is an “earn-as-you-learn” training that offers local employers and job seekers access to federal dollars. The program reimburses employers 50% of the employee’s wages after the employees completes training. The OJT program provides an opportunity for individuals to gain work experience and training they lacked before participating in the program. Individuals are empowered to learn a new skill or trade while alleviating some of the employer’s training burden.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Overall, the partnership between Hercules Industries and the ARIZONA@WORK team has been a great success. We were able to work together to benefit a select few employees in the Phoenix community, while also providing great value for our employees and our employee-owned business,” said Hercules Industries Learning Development Program Manager, Kyle Watts. “Thank you, James, Al, and the entire ARIZONA@WORK team, for assisting us through this process.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The DOL finalized monitoring the City of Phoenix last week. They continued their praise by showcasing Phoenix’s materials as a best practice to be replicated in other cities under DOL monitoring.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“The Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board is committed to helping employers and job seekers enhance economic development and quality of life in the City of Phoenix. Our workforce board is pleased to have the DOL as a partner and we are confident that the goals and strategies developed by the Board will help achieve Mayor Kate’s desired future vision and direction for workforce development efforts in the City of Phoenix,” said Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board Chair, Sam Wolo. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":252}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Our goal is to deliver the best service to our customers, businesses, and community,” said Phoenix’s Community and Economic Development Director, Christine Mackay. “I’m honored to be part of an amazing team that not only exceeds the expectations set by the Department of Labor but is also a driver of best practices for other cities.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The City of Phoenix is a DOL grant recipient, and as such, core activities, operations, and governance are monitored to ensure effective stewardship of federal funds. The monitoring is conducted using multiple methods, including case file reviews, conducting interviews, performance and fiscal analysis, and evaluation of operations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p><br><br></p><p><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br>Athena Sanchez, Interim Communications Manager<br><a href="mailto:athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov/">athena.sanchez@phoenix.gov/</a> +1 602 621 0507<br></p></div></div></div></div>

Help being provided to a job seeker at the City of Phoenix AZ @ Work Center

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8/17/2023 6:25:18 PM