Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Building a Stronger Workforce Together

November 2024

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Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Building a Stronger Workforce Together

Coconino County Workforce Development Executive Director Billy Francis was honored to participate in the Governor’s Apprenticeship Innovation Summit on November 19, alongside Governor Hobbs.

The Coconino Workforce Development Board is excited to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by attending this impactful event hosted by the National Governors Association in Phoenix. Governors are leading efforts to expand apprenticeship programs, positioning them as a cornerstone of workforce development for cutting-edge industries.

Not familiar with apprenticeships? Now is the perfect time to learn about the benefits they bring to individuals and businesses. Visit the link below to discover how apprenticeships can help build a stronger workforce and community.



Your local Workforce Development Board is here to support you every step of the way!

November Recap: Key Events and Highlights

Tackling workforce housing

The Northern Arizona University Economic Policy Institute held its Economic Outlook Conference on Nov. 7, addressing the critical issue of housing affordability and availability in Northern Arizona. The event brought together experts and policymakers to explore solutions to the housing crisis and its impact on workforce and economic development in rural areas.

Key presentations included Associate Professor Joe Little's analysis of short-term rentals like Airbnb, highlighting their effects on local housing availability and affordability. His findings stressed the need for balanced policies to ensure housing stability alongside economic growth.

Bob Worsley, ZenniHome founder and former Arizona State Senator, introduced sustainable micro homes as an innovative solution. Built in Page, Arizona, with contributions from the Navajo workforce, these homes provide a practical response to housing shortages while promoting economic empowerment.

The conference emphasized the need to align housing policy with workforce and economic strategies, fostering collaboration to address regional challenges. It served as a platform for exchanging ideas and building partnerships, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions to shape a more resilient and prosperous future for Northern Arizona.

Celebrating Flagstaff’s Eco-Tourism, Astrotourism and Economic Vitality 

Workforce board staff attended the City of Flagstaff Annual Tourism and Economic Vitality Partners Luncheon, celebrating the pivotal role of tourism in our local economy. The event highlighted Discover Flagstaff's leadership in astrotourism and dark sky preservation, solidifying the city's status as a top destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing his dedication to space exploration and the growth of related industries. His leadership, including designating Pluto as Arizona’s state planet and establishing the Arizona Space Commission, reflects the powerful synergy between policy and economic development.

Tourism remains Flagstaff’s number one economic sector, welcoming more than 5.5 million visitors annually. This dynamic industry supports nearly 8,000 jobs and generates an annual economic impact of $565 million. These figures reaffirm the critical role of tourism in driving employment and economic vitality for our community.

Our ongoing mission to foster high-quality, high-wage, and high-demand jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors aligns with the vision articulated at the luncheon. We remain committed to creating a legacy of sustainable growth, opportunity, and shared prosperity for Flagstaff and Coconino County.

United Way convening leaders to invest in pre-K



Coconino Workforce Board Assistant Director Regina Salas joined local leaders at the United Way of Northern Arizona’s Community Leaders Breakfast on November 14 to discuss advancing early childhood education. Leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and public organizations explored how investing in early education infrastructure can strengthen the workforce and economy.

Key attendees included Tynkertopia CEO Dr. Alice Christie, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, and Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen. The shared goal: providing quality, accessible Pre-K education for all 4-year-olds in our community. This collective action lays the foundation for stronger families, a skilled workforce, and a brighter future for all.

Coming Events in the community

CDL Open House Offered by Phoenix Trucking Driving School And CCC

Looking for a career with stability and opportunities? Don’t miss the upcoming open house events to explore the resources available in our community!

📍 December 10th | 3:00–5:00 PM | CCC Fourth Street Campus

📍 December 17th | 3:00–5:00 PM | CCC Page Campus

Programs and Partners Spotlight 

Unlocking Opportunities with the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)

The Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) is a valuable resource that connects individuals to high-quality training programs leading to certifications, degrees, and career advancement in local in-demand industries. By partnering with state- and locally-approved training providers, the ETPL equips participants with skills to thrive in today’s workforce.

Key Benefits of the ETPL:

• For Individuals: Access funding for training in high-demand fields, upgrade skills, and explore valuable career development opportunities.
• For Businesses: Build a pipeline of skilled candidates and access solutions for employee training and development.

The ETPL supports job seekers and employers alike, fostering a stronger, more resilient local workforce and economy.

To learn more, connect with Coconino County’s Arizona Job Center and discover how the ETPL can help achieve your career or business goals. Locally owned, locally operated.

Coconino County Employment Service (Title III) by Arizona Department of Economic Security



We are thrilled to announce the newly improved Employment Services team, dedicated to providing exceptional support for Coconino County residents.

Linda, recently promoted to Supervisor, brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership to the team. Her commitment to creating a supportive, collaborative environment will be essential for the team’s success. You can reach Linda at LBranch@azdes.gov.

Christen, continuing her role as Employment Counselor, remains focused on career coaching. She will assist individuals in finding meaningful employment opportunities and navigating career transitions. Christen can be reached at CWhalen@azdes.gov.

Jennifer has transitioned to supporting local businesses in Coconino County. She will focus on building and maintaining relationships with businesses, addressing their needs, and ensuring they receive top-tier services. Jennifer’s email is JGale@azdes.gov.

James and Ted round out the team, specializing in services for Veterans. They bring invaluable insight into the unique challenges faced by Veterans and will collaborate with Jennifer to support local businesses. James' email is JMinnifield@azdes.gov and Ted's is TMartello@azdes.gov.

Share your story and learn more about: 

IWT - Incumbent Work Training 

ETPL - Eligible Training Provider List 

WBL - Work-Based Learning