Gila Bend community gets a helping hand from Maricopa County with 'Workforce 2 You'

These classes, held twice a week for 10 to 12 weeks, typically cost $20,000 per student.

PUBLISHED JUL 23, 2024

Ortiz, already a certified medical assistant, saw this as a chance to diversify her skills and re-enter the healthcare field.

Gila Bend, Arizona: In Gila Bend, job opportunities are scarce. Shyanne Ortiz, a lifelong resident, knows this all too well. "I was born in Phoenix but raised here," she says, appreciating the close-knit community but acknowledging the limited employment options. "It's very limited. There's not very much here. My past jobs required me to travel."

Recognizing this challenge, Maricopa County launched an initiative to provide free classes and a paid externship in medical coding, billing, and healthcare administration. Ortiz, eager to advance her career, seized the opportunity. "When Maricopa County offered free classes and a paid externship, I jumped at the chance."

Ortiz (right foreground) seen here in class as part of the program, known as 'Workforce to You'.

The program, known as 'Workforce 2 You', is a pilot initiative aimed at bringing occupational skills training from the Phoenix Metro area to rural communities across Maricopa County.

"We are currently in the middle of a pilot where we take training programs out of the Phoenix Metro area and offer in-person opportunities in rural communities," explained Jared Beard, the Assistant Director of the Workforce Development Division.

These classes, held twice a week for 10 to 12 weeks, typically cost $20,000 per student. However, thanks to a grant from the Governor's Office, Maricopa County is covering the full cost for participants. "All of their enrollments for both training courses are at capacity, and no one has dropped out yet," Beard said. "People are really excited about this opportunity, and we even have a waitlist."

Jared Beard, the Assistant Director of the Workforce Development Division.

The program aims to equip Gila Bend residents with skills in high demand within their community and beyond. "The hope is that these residents will bring their skills back to Gila Bend and surrounding areas, where medical billing, coding, and healthcare administration workers are needed," Beard said. There are also prospects for remote work, expanding job opportunities further.

Ortiz, already a certified medical assistant, saw this as a chance to diversify her skills and re-enter the healthcare field. "I'm already a medical assistant, but I wanted to get back into something different. When I saw this opportunity, I took it," she said. Ortiz is taking both medical billing and coding and medical assistance classes, aiming to pursue a career in these fields.

As of July 2024, the unemployment rate in Gila Bend, Arizona is 2.6%.

The training includes a four-week externship, providing hands-on experience in clinics and hospitals. Unlike typical externships, this program offers a stipend to ease the financial burden on participants. "The stipend helps ensure that people can complete the program without having to give up their current jobs," Beard explained.

As Ortiz progresses through the program, she expresses hope for more such opportunities in Gila Bend and similar rural areas. "I hope Maricopa County brings more opportunities out here," she said. "This is a great start, and I encourage others to take advantage of these free classes."

As of July 2024, the unemployment rate in Gila Bend, Arizona is 2.6%, which is rather low for a rural community thanks to these initiatives.