It’s been almost three years since Phoenix won a million dollars for a workforce initiative that came out of the pandemic.
The money, from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Global Mayor’s Challenge was awarded for Phoenix’s mobile career unit, a vehicle that travels to communities that may face barriers accessing employment resources. Phoenix was among 15 cities chosen among 13 countries on six continents.
As part of the award, the city received technical support and coaching to help create a comprehensive plan to advance workforce training.
In December, Gorden Innes with Bloomberg told council members they should set up a nonprofit within the city because that’s how many organizations like to donate.
“Having someone who can lead that work and who can really make it simple for the employers, for the foundations to channel their funding to Phoenix rather than elsewhere is the priority going forward,” he said.
Since receiving the award, Phoenix has launched apprenticeship programs and a mobile career unit, a large van that travels to communities offering resources and on-the-spot job interviews.
