PINAL COUNTY TOWN HALL
Pinal County’s Workforce Puzzle… Preparing Today’s Communities for Tomorrow’s Opportunities
30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall
Thursday, October 19, 2017
2 | Workforce Puzzle
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Pinal Partnership was created with a vision of uniting community growth efforts in Pinal County. Pinal Partnership’s Mission: Improve research, planning and coordination of private and public efforts related to infrastructure, natural resources and community development in Pinal County. Pinal Partnership is a coalition of community, business, educational and governmental leaders whose goal is to provide leadership and support in specific areas of focus – ideas that will ultimately lead Pinal County to its full potential. President & CEO Harold Christ 602-810-7448 harold@pinalpartnership.com
Executive Director Melissa Johnson 602-459-5265 melissa@pinalpartnership.com
www.PinalPartnership.com
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Workforce Puzzle | 3
Welcome to the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall
Dear Town Hall Delegates: As chair of the Pinal County Town Hall Advisory Committee, it is my pleasure to welcome
you to our special publication and the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall being held Thursday, October 19th at Robson Ranch located at 5750 N.
PINAL COUNTY TOWN HALL James Carnes…....................................Publisher Michael Carnes.............................General Manager Jennifer Carnes..........................…Managing Editor Mila Besich-Lira..........................Advertising Director This Special Publication was produced and published by Copper Area News Publishers in cooperation with Pinal County Town Hall for the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall October 19, 2017 Robson Ranch 5750 N. Robson Blvd., Eloy, Arizona
Published at 139 W. 8th Ave., PO Box 60, San Manuel, AZ 85631.
Telephone (520) 385-2266 Fax (520) 363-9663 Copper Area News Publishers is a proud member of the Arizona Newspaper Association.
Robson Blvd. in Eloy. This year’s event will be of special interest to employers, employees, and future employees at all levels. Our topic this year is: “Pinal County’s Workforce Puzzle…Preparing Today’s Communities for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.” The Town Hall will feature local business leaders
from both large and small organizations speaking on their needs today and what they expect in the future with a new generation entering the work place. Local educators will be on hand to discuss how they are working together to prepare current employees and the generation entering the workforce to meet the needs of our
employers. We will also gain information on the state’s perspective from the Arizona Commerce Authority. It promises to be a very informative, exciting event and we hope to see you there. Sincerely, Sandie Smith, Chair Pinal County Town Hall Advisory Committee
Sandie Smith
See More Sponsors Online at bit.ly/2vQwVMn
Thinking More Innovatively. AECOM is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall. AECOM...Creating, enhancing and sustaining the world’s built, natural and social environments. Phoenix: 602.371.1100 Tucson: 520.887.1800 www.aecom.com
Your Workforce Development Partner www.CentralAZ.edu
4 | Workforce Puzzle
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Pinal County’s Workforce Puzzle… Preparing Today’s Communities for Tomorrow’s Opportunities “Pinal County’s Workforce Puzzle… Preparing Today’s Communities for Tomorrow’s Opportunities” is the theme for the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall, Thursday October 19th. Approximately 150 delegates are expected to attend the informative sessions being held at Robson Ranch located at 5750 N. Robson Blvd., Eloy, Arizona. Pinal County Town Hall’s primary sponsor each year is the Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Anthony Smith, Dist. 4, represents the Board on the Pinal County Town Hall Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from throughout Pinal County who meet monthly to work out details for the event. During this year’s Town Hall, Sandra Watson representing the Governor’s Office and the Arizona Commerce Authority will look ahead at Arizona’s future workforce. New generations coming into today’s workforce think differently than yesterday’s workforce. What do they
expect and how will employers view this new generational transition? The overall goal of the sessions, according to Town Hall Director, Maxine Brown, is “to equip citizens with information and knowledge to understand how Pinal County’s educational institutions are preparing upcoming generations in meeting the needs of tomorrow’s employers. The Town Hall wants its delegates to be involved in learning how the puzzle pieces all fall into place to prepare the current and future employees to meet business and industry’s needs. Pinal County Town Hall believes delegates will be able to return to their communities with a better understanding of local workforce issues and how the county will transition to the future with a well-trained workforce.” Pinal County Town Hall’s Wayne G. Gerken Youth Scholarship will be awarded during the event. Town Hall offers students the opportunity to attend the event and participate in a round-table
A proud supporter of Pinal County Town Hall
39700 W. Civic Center Plaza, Maricopa • 520.568.9098
www.maricopa-az.gov
discussion to apply for the scholarship. Town Hall Advisory Committee ViceChair, Donna McBride in discussing the youth component of the program, stated: “Town Hall has provided a venue for young people to come together with local leaders. Helping them learn about important topics such as issues related to Pinal County’s workforce and the economic growth of the area will help create the next generation of leaders.” Pinal County Town Hall Advisory Committee Chair, Sandie Smith, explained:
“I have attended all 29 Town Halls. These events have been instrumental in bringing together diversified interests to focus on timely, relevant issues vital to Pinal County and its citizens. The networking and friendships formed at these Town Halls are invaluable for forming alliances that will help ensure Pinal County is a place where we can live, work, and play.” For additional information, please contact: Maxine Brown – Pinal County Town Hall – 480-322-1626 – m.leather@ mchsi.com
Arizona@Work in Pinal County ARIZONA@WORK is the statewide workforce development network that helps employers of all sizes and types recruit, develop and retain the best employees for their needs. For job seekers throughout the state, we provide services and resources
to pursue employment opportunities. ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County provides local access to this public and private partnership which is comprised of 12 regional areas and over 40 local offices. Through the support of
federal funding, services are provided at no charge. ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County partners with employers throughout the state to meet their workforce needs. By helping businesses succeed and grow, the groundwork is laid for a stronger Arizona economy. ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County is governed through a partnership between the Pinal County Board of Supervisors and the Pinal County Local Workforce Development Board. Through this partnership, the local workforce development board is charged with the following responsibilities: • Develop and submit a collaborative, four-year local plan for Pinal County, in partnership with the Pinal County Board of Supervisors • Convene local workforce development system stakeholders to assist in the development of the local plan and in identifying non-Federal expertise and resources to leverage support for workforce development activities. • Conduct workforce Continued on page 6
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Workforce Puzzle | 5
Christopher Villaverde in Head Start and today – preschool to career.
Christopher Villaverde, From Head Start to Career: A visit from the local fire department inspires a career in Public Safety By Mila Besich-Lira More and more often, leading business magazines and newspapers are featuring stories on youth retention and workforce development. Experts are claiming that there isn’t a pipeline for public safety professionals and skilled trade workers. Where does the inspiration come from for today’s youth to consider these careers? For one resident of Superior, Arizona, the inspiration started in Head Start. For Superior resident Christopher
Villaverde, it was a visit from the Superior Fire Department to his Head Start classroom that inspired him to consider a career as a Firefighter/EMT. Seeing the trucks, the hands on experience created a sense of drive and purpose for him as he continued through elementary, junior and senior high school. He shared that the DUI and the mock accident events kept him interested in the becoming a firefighter. During high school Christopher knew he had a huge opportunity to develop skills by attending the Cobre Valley Institute Continued on page 6
Resolution is proud to support the Pinal County Town Hall. 402 W. Main St. Superior, AZ 85173 520.689.3392 9am-5pm
646 N. Broad St. Globe, AZ 85501 928.473.1214 9am-5pm
Robson Ranch Proudly Supports the Pinal County 30th Annual Town Hall Event Discover impressive homes, countless social opportunities and world-class amenities. Robson Ranch is the place to Live Life Inspired.
800-770-7044 | 520-426-3300 5687 N. Robson Blvd, Eloy, AZ 85131 Open Daily: 9am – 6pm • Homes from the $170s - $500s
robson.com The housing at any Robson Resort Community™ is intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit, although the occupants of a limited number of dwelling units may be younger. One person must be at least 40 years of age in each unit. No one in permanent residence under 19 years of age. Homes are offered and sold by Sun Lakes-Casa Grande Development, LLC, owner/ agent. Robson Ranch Arizona Construction Company, general contractor, ROC 192584. Some amenities not included in community service fees. All photos/pictorials are artist’s conception. No offer for sale or lease may be made or accepted prior to buyer’s receipt of an Arizona subdivision public report. A public report is available on the Arizona state real estate department’s website. This material shall not constitute an offer in any state where registration is required or if in violation of law. All photos/pictorials are artist’s conception. © 2017 Robson Communities®, Inc. All rights reserved. 17RC159
6 | Workforce Puzzle
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Employers – Here Come the Millennials and Gen Z By Maxine Brown Pinal County Town Hall
Our workforce is definitely changing. The Baby Boomers are retiring and the new generations are taking over and they think, job seek, and work differently than prior generations. Although Millennials, also known as Generation Y, has no precise dates when it starts or ends, experts believe these are for the most part the grandchildren of Baby Boomers and starts early in the 1980s and ends in the early 1990s making this age group around 25 to 35. Millennials and the following Gen Z are entering the workforce in large numbers and are often young professionals who have grown up with an increased use and familiarity with communications, media impact and widespread usage of the Internet from a young age. They are comfortable with technology and interacting on social media websites for a significant portion of their socializing. A colleague recently told me his nephew had just graduated from college and located a job with a large corporation. In this job, which pays quite well for an entry level position, the new employee can live wherever he wants, work whenever he wants, and will be judged by his productivity, meeting deadlines, and accomplishments to the corporation’s specifications. A whole new way to work and think. Employers must begin rethinking their business and hiring practices. Low unemployment has made employers review how Millennials and Gen Z accomplish job search. As employers check future employees out on the web, these 2 generations of job seekers search companies and organizations on the web and can be very selective where they apply and then use social media to provide job search activities. Job hunting can be scary, so often Millennials and Gen Z go to their college or university career center or on-line job boards such as Monster. com and Career Builder.com. where they are comfortable to seek employment opportunities. Other resources they may
use are their social networks such as Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. Professional associations or industry specific groups and their personal network and friends are a source of finding job openings also. This is a new challenge for employers. College career centers are trusted locations for the Millennials and Gen Z so this can be a source for employers to become familiar with for their job postings. Job fairs at colleges and universities are nonthreatening locations for these generations to seek jobs. Today, instead of future employees coming to the employer, now the employer needs to find the job seeker. Long interview processes no longer work. Employers must find solutions that streamline hiring to meet the expectations of this new workforce. Timely follow up remains an important part of the hiring process. Employers need full time attention devoted to the use of their social media. The organization’s website needs current news, current job postings, informative articles and links to open positions on Facebook and Linkedin. Employers be ready. These new generations of job seekers are serious, determined, selective, ambitious adults. You can expect to negotiate wages, benefits, opportunities for advancement and
pay increases. Be ready to answer questions about the work environment. Employers be prepared. Here come the Millennials and Gen Z. They are a well-educated, optimistic group that can add much to your organization and they are well worth finding.
CHRIS VILLAVERDE Continued from page 5
of Technology (CVIT). He took advantage of the electrical instrumentation courses, following in his father’s footsteps as an electrician. CVIT is one of 14 Joint Technology Education Districts in Arizona. JTEDs were created in Arizona in 1990 and provide high school students with career and technical education so that they can enter the workforce as soon as they graduate from high school. Chris completed his courses at CVIT and graduated from Superior High School in 2014. He never forgot about his desire to become a firefighter and enrolled in courses at Central Arizona College in Fire Science. During high school he also participated in the Town of Superior Police Explorers Program. Christopher began his training and is now employed full time as a Firefighter/EMT for the Superior Fire Department. In a small department like Superior’s, he also serves as the Public Education Officer for the department – he is in charge of setting up community events and those important visits to the local schools. “I hope that my work inspires other young people to become a
firefighters,” Chris said. He faced a few health challenges becoming a firefighter. He has asthma and that challenge helped him to train harder to accomplish his goal. Academically, he continues to pursue his career. He is attending classes at CAC and eventually plans to pursue a degree in emergency management. “My long term goal is to have a shelf in my office that has the helmet that I received in Head Start, my yellow firefighter helmet, a red Captain’s helmet and a white Chief helmet,” he said. Starting his career with a small department provides him a unique opportunity to to learn all the functions of the operations of a fire department. He is also learning the challenges of funding the technology available for fire departments. As a young adult starting his career, he hopes that more innovation will be added to decrease the risk of cancer for those working in fire fighting. Christopher will be sharing his Head Start to Career story at the 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall on October 19 at Robson Ranch in Eloy.
AZ@WORK Continued from page 4
research and regional labor market analysis • Employer Engagement through: • Promoting business representation on the Local Board; • Develop effective linkages with employers in Pinal County; • Ensuring that workforce investment activities meet the needs of employers and support economic growth in the region; • Developing and implement proven or promising strategies for meeting the employment and skill needs of workers and employers.
• Provide program oversight of the partner programs that comprise ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County. For more information about ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County, please visit https://arizonaatwork.com/pinal
Pinal County Town Hall 2017
Workforce Puzzle | 7
Welcome to delegates from Pinal County Supervisor Anthony Smith
As a member of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors and a member of the Pinal County Town Hall, I would like to welcome all the delegates from Pinal County and those coming in from outside the County. I have been involved with the Pinal County Town Hall as an Advisory Committee member since taking office in 2013 as the District 4 representative to the Board of Supervisors. Each year the Town Hall Committee searches for topics to cover that affect, or will affect our lives in Pinal County. We have covered education, health care, economic development and now we are covering our workforce needs as more and more companies want to start-up or
relocate in our great county. This 30th Annual Pinal County Town Hall topic –Pinal County’s Workforce Puzzle… Preparing Today’s Communities for Tomorrow’s Opportunities is an issue that affects all of us, especially those students who are in school or just starting school. These young Pinal County residents are going to be the future workforce that we are talking about today. Working with our communities and Chambers of Commerce, Pinal County has paved a bright future ahead when it comes to bringing the next generation of employers to the area. Today we will be discussing how to keep those jobs filled with bright, inspired and forward thinking
employees from inside Pinal County. Many of our residents have to travel outside Pinal County for employment; it is all of our intentions to stop this trend. We want to make Pinal County a complete destination where people can live here and work here. We congratulate our schools from Central Arizona College to elementary schools accepting this challenge. There is no doubt in my mind that our work here today will take a definitive step in setting a future for this county and its residents. I’m looking forward to learning more about our future workforce and I hope you are too. Sincerely, Supervisor Anthony Smith-District 4
Pinal County Supervisor Anthony Smith
SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH Fostering job creation helps drive a healthy economy. That’s why SRP joins forces with local businesses and community leaders. From attracting out-of-state companies to supporting nonprofits and connecting customers with our money- and energy-saving advice, we proudly support efforts that help our state grow and prosper. Find out more at PowerToGrowPHX.com. SRP can help you grow your business too with rebates on energy-efficient upgrades. Visit savewithsrpbiz.com for details.
8 | Workforce Puzzle
Pinal County Town Hall 2017