County highlights workforce training results from Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network grant

Mojave County Economic Development briefed the Board on phase‑three outcomes from the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network grant, describing how the grant supported training in manufacturing and trades through a video‑based Interplay Learning platform.

Michelle, presenting for Economic Development, said the department enrolled 175 users who completed 540 courses (about 875 training hours). She reported an 80/20 split between incumbent workers and independent learners; among survey respondents four to six percent of incumbents reported wage increases, roughly 30% reported promotion, and 43% of independent learners obtained employment after beginning the program. The initiative included monthly manufacturing/trades roundtable meetings and partnerships with Mojave College, Arizona@Work, vocational rehabilitation, and the chamber of commerce.

Staff framed the program as addressing skilled‑labor gaps in Northern Arizona by improving onboarding, retention and opportunities for career advancement. Supervisors asked about connections to county community services and the college; presenters confirmed Mojave College participated as a partner and the county’s community‑services workforce division remains active. The board thanked Economic Development and accepted the report.

Why it matters: Workforce training for manufacturing and trades is a county economic priority; staff said the program’s flexible, remote learning modules are particularly valuable in rural communities where travel to training centers is a barrier.