Maricopa County awarded grant to extend rural job training program

PHOENIX — Maricopa County has announced it has been granted $500,000 to extend its Workforce 2 You job training program.

The grant will help the program continue supporting workers in the Gila Bend, Queen Creek and Wickenburg communities, according to a Thursday news release.

The governor’s office approved a $500,000 grant through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to support the program, which started last year. 

“Arizona is an attractive place for a variety of industries to do business because of our low taxes, relatively low cost of living, streamlined regulations and skilled workforce,” Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart said in the news release.

“By investing in job training programs and extending access into rural communities like Queen Creek, we are building our local talent pipeline and supporting economic development in the East Valley and all of Maricopa County.”

What new changes will be coming to the Maricopa County program?

As part of the extension, the program will provide up to eight classes of training for up to 96 people. The program will also provide transportation, supplies and tools to workers as needed.

“The Board’s support of rural job training is more than education, it’s about creating opportunities for people who can’t easily access traditional workforce programs,” Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko said in the release. “By removing critical barriers such as costs and distance, this valuable program will help the residents of Wickenburg and other rural communities in Maricopa County connect with the resources they need to thrive.” 

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