This July 2026, West-MEC will open the doors to its new Southeast Campus, expanding career and technical education opportunities in one of Arizona's fastest-growing regions. Located near Thomas Road and Loop 101, the campus represents West-MEC's continued commitment to preparing students for high-demand career fields aligned with Arizona's workforce needs. As economic growth … [More]
Alpers Dentistry’s Purpose-Built Practice
How Alpers Dentistry hardwired impact into its business model
In a sector often defined by volume, speed and transactional care, Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has carved out a different path, one where purpose is not an accessory to the business but a structural pillar. Since acquiring the practice in 2018, Kristopher Alpers, D.D.S., has worked to build a model of dentistry that is personal, intentional and deeply rooted in … [More]
TSMC’s People‑First Strategy Is Reshaping Arizona’s Talent Landscape
Robust programs build a strong, sustainable and varied talent pipeline
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s presence in Arizona is often described in terms of scale, the multibillion‑dollar fabs, the global supply chain, the advanced technologies that power everything from electric vehicles to aerospace systems. But behind the cranes and construction milestones is a quieter, more enduring story: the company’s deep investment in people. As … [More]
Investing in Readers Today to Build Arizona’s Workforce Tomorrow
Why early literacy is a business issue
Arizona’s workforce challenges rarely begin in the workplace. Long before companies struggle to fill open positions or train new hires, the foundation of the talent pipeline is already being built — often in a classroom or living room where a child is learning to read. For many business leaders, early literacy may feel far removed. But the ability to read proficiently by … [More]
Why Narrow Talent Pipelines Threaten the Future of the Workforce
The workforce is at a crossroads right now. Employers want to find talent that will set them up for success and be able to perform well amid rapid change, but there are limitations on who they consider to be “qualified.” For instance, nearly three quarters of HR professionals report they cannot find the workers their organizations need to fill critical open roles. In a rapidly … [More]
The Stability Problem Behind Phoenix’s Workforce
On the surface, the national workforce appears to be on the mend after a significant dip in February. March’s national jobs report showed payroll gains of 178,000 and a slight drop (-.1%) in unemployment to 4.3%. On paper, those numbers suggest a strengthening labor market. However, wage growth continues to slow, and workforce participation has declined. At the same time, … [More]
Why Volunteering Is Your Company’s Secret Retention Strategy
Picture this: a strong company that's starting to crack from the inside. Productivity is slipping. Top performers have quietly begun looking elsewhere. Leadership is wondering where they went wrong. Compensation is competitive. The benefits are solid. The work is meaningful. So, what's missing? For a growing number of organizations, the answer is showing up in an unexpected … [More]
Demand for AI Skills Outpaces Tech Talent Supply
Talent shortages are the single biggest challenge facing technology leaders in 2026, as artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes hiring priorities, according to the new Reveal 2026 IT Talent Survey, released today by global software leader Infragistics. Eighty percent (80%) of technology leaders reported using AI in software development in 2025, and 77% named expanding AI … [More]
Nation’s First K-12 Semiconductor Training Cleanroom Opens in Phoenix
Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a public career and technical education school district, is expanding Arizona’s workforce pipeline with the opening of the nation’s first K-12 CTE advanced manufacturing cleanroom at its Northeast Campus in north Phoenix. Designed to replicate real-world semiconductor and advanced manufacturing environments, the cleanroom anchors … [More]
Delta Dental Funds New AI-Powered Oral Health Initiative at ASU
Arizona State University and Delta Dental of Arizona are partnering to create the Student-centered Medical Instruction and Learning in Oral Health powered by Artificial Intelligence, known as SMILE-AI, at the Arizona State University John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. The initiative, made possible through a $578,947 investment by the Delta Dental of … [More]
Tolleson School District Breaks Ground on West Valley Training & Family Services Hub
Tolleson Union High School District broke ground on its new 90,000-square-foot Training & Learning Center, located along 99th Avenue, North of Camelback Road. With DLR Group as the architect, supported by Root Architects, and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. as the general contractor, the facility will serve as a hub for the district’s 780 educators and residents within … [More]
Nonprofit Workforce Program Adds Warehouse, Logistics Training
UMOM New Day Centers announced the expansion of its Homegrown program to include workforce training for warehouse- and facilities-based careers, creating new pathways to stable employment and long-term economic mobility for families experiencing homelessness. Originally launched as a culinary training program through its onsite café, Helpings Cafe, Homegrown was designed to … [More]
Workforce Program Demonstrates Viability of Second-Chance Hiring Model
As the business community marks Second Chance Month, Televerde, a global revenue creation partner supporting marketing, sales, and customer success for B2B businesses worldwide, announced its 2025 results from its prison-to-workforce program, demonstrating how professional training inside prison translates into measurable workforce outcomes after release. For more than three … [More]
Goodwill Is Expansive Workforce Development
At Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, our vision is ending poverty through the power of work. Through our mission services, we are empowering individuals, strengthening families and building stronger communities via workforce development and career services, as well as no-cost education initiatives, all made possible by generous donations and purchases at Goodwill retail … [More]
Cultural Intelligence Moves from Soft Skill to Business Imperative
Global searches for "what is cultural intelligence" have increased by almost 100% over the past year, as employers and employees recognize the growing importance of this skill in the workplace. With this in mind, Chris Crosby, CEO at cultural intelligence training provider Country Navigator, has identified the key cultural intelligence (CQ) trends shaping 2026. The global … [More]
Employees Expected to Innovate, Yet Fear Mistakes Could Cost Them Jobs
Innovation is no longer optional in today’s workplace. According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of INTOO, nearly three out of four full/part-time employed Americans (74%) say they are expected to bring new ideas to improve things at work, like processes, strategies, or results. The good news: employees are rising to the challenge. More than … [More]
Support Employee Health and Wealth: Spending Account Benefits Guide
In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever for employers to focus on attracting and retaining employees. The current competitive market environment and higher expectations from candidates mean employers need to differentiate themselves, and one way to do this is with workplace benefits. While some employment metrics are promising – such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s … [More]
Employers Embrace Skills-Based Hiring in Theory, Not in Practice
University of Phoenix Career Institute released its latest installment in The Career Optimism Special Report Series: The Illusion of Progress in Skills-Based Hiring, finding that while skills-based approaches are gaining in momentum, many employers still lack clear standards and consistent tools to evaluate candidates' skills effectively. Although 82% of hiring stakeholders … [More]
