Expanding workforce opportunities for youth, with a focus on STEAM and underrepresented communities

January 2026

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino County Success Story Spotlight

One of our Title 1B program participants at Eckerd Connects—who was previously justice-involved and facing significant barriers to employment—has made remarkable progress on his career journey. Despite early challenges in finding work, he stayed committed to building his skills and earned both his OSHA 30 Certification and Apartment Maintenance Certification.

After three months of intensive training, he graduated, applied for positions, and successfully secured employment with TCR Rooting Plumbing in Flagstaff. He officially began his full-time role on January 12, 2026, and is already enjoying his first weeks on the job while sharing positive updates.

His journey highlights the power of training, persistence, and second-chance opportunities. We’re proud of his hard work and grateful to support participants as they move toward lasting success.

Interested in enrolling in this program? Contact:

Monique De La Luz

Workforce Training Coordinator, Coconino Community College

928-226-4279

CAMT

Upcoming Event in the Community

Drive Your Career Forward in 2026

Phoenix Truck Driving School Flagstaff is now offering Class A & B CDL training programs, giving you the flexibility to choose the path that fits your goals. Job placement assistance is available to help you land your first position in the trucking industry.

Attend an information session hosted by Phoenix Truck Driving School on January 30th in Room 458 at Coconino Community College to learn about:

Career opportunities in trucking, including job stability and competitive pay
Available grants and funding options for CDL training

Don’t miss your chance to make 2026 the year you hit the road toward a rewarding career!

Phoenix Truck Driving School

Start Your Career as a Maintenance Technician

Join CCC Workforce Training’s Maintenance Technician Information Session on February 11, 2026 at 6 PM, available in person and via Zoom, to explore a fast-growing career pathway.

Participants will learn about training that leads to:

CAMT Certificate
EPA 608 Certification
OSHA-10

The program covers essential skills in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, and more to prepare you for in-demand jobs.

Build skills. Build a future.

CAMT

Program Highlights

NAGJN In Focus: Incumbent Worker Training

Great news for local employers! The Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (NAGJN) is expanding its focus to support Incumbent Worker Training initiatives. Through Phase III, the Workforce Board is identifying opportunities to help businesses upskill their current employees—boosting productivity, strengthening retention, and keeping companies competitive.

From customized training programs to industry-specific skill development, NAGJN is bridging the gap between employer needs and workforce talent. Together, we’re investing in growth for both businesses and workers.

Let’s grow together—your team’s next opportunity starts here!

NAGJN

Youth EXPLO Feature: Preparing the Next Generation of Firefighters

A Title I-B Youth participant is launching her journey with Tynkertopia Makerspace while pursuing her dream of becoming a Wildland Firefighter after graduating this spring. Through the Youth EXPLO Program, she’s gaining hands-on experience and career exploration that connect passion with opportunity.

This spring, she’ll meet with a local female firefighter in Flagstaff and attend a three-day Women in Wildland Fire training in Prescott through the Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy. With a scholarship secured and supportive services covering travel, lodging, and gear, she’s building confidence, skills, and momentum to enter a high-demand career field.

Apply EXPLO Program

Tynkertopia MakerSpace Opens New Pathways to Workforce Readiness

Tynkertopia MakerSpace is expanding workforce development opportunities for teens and young adults across Coconino County, with a focus on individuals traditionally underrepresented in STEAM fields. Designed as a hands-on learning and career exploration hub, the MakerSpace offers access to digital fabrication tools, creative technologies, and real-world skill building aligned with today’s workforce needs. Participants engage in project-based learning, explore industry-relevant technologies, and work toward certifications that prepare them for careers in technology, design, and innovation.

Through partnerships with programs such as ARIZON@WORK, Tynkertopia connects education to employment by helping participants gain practical experience, build confidence, and explore potential career pathways while strengthening essential workplace skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.

Community excitement was evident at Tynkertopia MakerSpace’s recent grand opening, which drew about 200 attendees. Leaders, including former Flagstaff Mayor Dr. Coral Evans, Mayor Becky Daggett, and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, highlighted the importance of investing in young people and expanding equitable access to workforce development opportunities for local teens and young adults.

Founded by Dr. Alice Christie, a lifelong educator with nearly six decades of experience, Tynkertopia empowers youth through curiosity-driven, hands-on learning that mirrors real-world challenges. Google recently named Tynkertopia the Best Educational Center in Flagstaff for 2025.

Located at 1515 E. Cedar Avenue, Suite D2, Flagstaff, AZ, Tynkertopia MakerSpace is open Tuesday and Thursday 3–7 PM; Wednesday and Friday 12–7 PM; and Saturday 9 AM–5 PM. For more information, call 928-326-3400.

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ARIZONA@WORK Coconino’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through awards totaling $1,459,487.