Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503

BUSINESS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES TO GET WORKFORCE DATA THANKS TO MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND PROP 301 FUNDS

August 20, 2001 – The most comprehensive workforce survey to date is set to be conducted on a countywide basis thanks to a project sponsored by the Maricopa Community Colleges. Information on wages, industry growth trends, labor shortages, skill gaps and emerging occupations, among other things, will soon be available by linking to an Internet page devoted to showcasing the survey results from Maricopa County.

By identifying labor market needs and trends, local businesses can help the Maricopa Community Colleges develop workforce training and recruitment programs our county needs,” according to Dr. Mary Vanis, Director of the Maricopa Community Colleges Office of Business and Workforce Development.

In July, the City of Phoenix contracted with the ERISS Corporation to survey over 8,300 employers within the city limits. By leveraging the City's investment, the Maricopa Community Colleges were able to sponsor the survey for the balance of the County, an additional 8,000 employers, for approximately half the cost of an independent study by ERISS. The survey will be funded with Proposition 301 funds allocated to the Maricopa Community Colleges for job training and workforce development. The data is scheduled to be collected during the month of September through phone call interviews with businesses. Anyone can access the data, free of charge, when it’s put on-line in mid-November. Results from similar surveys conducted in 25 other major metropolitan markets, like Los Angeles, Chicago and San Antonio can be viewed at www.usworks.com.

The Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation, includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves over 250,000 students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002