Workforce Center @ Mesa has officially been launched, offering Mesa residents, many with significant barriers to employment, the workforce services and activities needed to get jobs. The new center, located within the existing MesaCAN building at 635 E. Broadway Road, is a partnership involving the City of Mesa, A New Leaf Workforce Services and Maricopa County ARIZONA@WORK.
"Businesses tell us that their number one concern when choosing where to locate is workforce, and this new center will not only help to meet that need but will also offer new pathways to those looking to develop new skills and find job opportunities," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "This partnership with MesaCAN/A New Leaf and Maricopa County ARIZONA@WORK is an ideal way to maximize resources and connect residents with meaningful work opportunities, and I appreciate the collaboration in service to our region."
The Workforce Center will help any adult resident in Mesa looking for assistance. It will also work with lower-income households and individuals currently receiving support from human services programs to re-enter the job market and gain stable employment. For example, for a family of four to be eligible as "low income," the combined household income cannot exceed $58,300 annually.
"I am thrilled to be celebrating the opening of Workforce Center @ Mesa. This community asset provides resources for residents to pursue employment opportunities and helps guide them towards promising careers," said Vice Mayor Jenn Duff. "Education and workforce opportunities go hand in hand, as both are essential factors for the prosperity and vitality of a community."
For job seekers, programs and services at the Workforce Center include career guidance and assessment, resume writing, interview workshops, occupational skills training and apprenticeship workshops, customized employment searches and a professional clothing boutique. Businesses and employers will have access to AZ Job Connection, Arizona's largest workforce database; candidate matching assistance; special recruitment assistance and interview space and help organizing and managing hiring events.
The goal of our partnership with the Workforce Center is to help assist Mesa residents by connecting job seekers to programs and services that will help
them re-enter the job market," says Michael Hughes, A New Leaf CEO. "A good job that provides opportunities for advancement can make every difference for families and individuals wanting to move out of survival mode and into a state where they are growing, thriving, and secure.
The Workforce Center recently opened, and 40 clients have already received services from Maricopa County staff, including ten people finding new jobs. A New Leaf staff provided mock interviews and interview preparation, and a business referral from Mesa's Office of Economic Development supported Helton Tool & Home in Mesa with recruitment and placement of candidates to fill vacant positions.
"Through the Workforce Center @ Mesa, people can not only access employment services, get matched with job opportunities and secure opportunities to
advance their career, they can get connected to a wide variety of available services - all under one roof," said Jacqueline Edwards, Director of the Maricopa County Human Services Department. "We're proud to be a part of this valuable resource center in the community."
Mesa is using up to $250,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act - Local Fiscal Recovery funds to cover startup costs and help pay for a full-time workforce development coordinator. A New Leaf is providing private, local, state and federal funding for career training while Maricopa County is using a federal grant to assist job seekers and employers.
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