
Written by Cathy Cepielik
Keynote
Trevor Stokes
Curious on how the job market is looking in Phoenix? Want to know how to set up an intentional career? What do employers want? What are the five factors for career readiness? All great questions that were unraveled during this event!
Trevor is making the world of work understandable, accessible, and manageable. He is president of Regional Analysis Partners, a specialty firm providing consultation and support. He served as the Workforce Programs Manager for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona’s labor market information, and workforce policy hub. His extensive background in economic research and labor market analysis includes more than 350 regional labor market studies conducted for school districts, economic development organizations, and workforce boards across the country.
Trevor opened by showing we are in a Seller’s Market. Some facts that pertain to that:
• Unemployment rate continues to decline; it’s the lowest it has been in decades!
o 3.6% U.S. Unemployment rate, 3.7% Maricopa County
• Labor force participation rate is 62.7% for the U.S, 63.4% Maricopa County
• Massive change has taken place from 2010-present with unemployment at the forefront, down from 10.3% to 3.7% in Maricopa, which is HUGE!
• This recession took over 100 months to recover in AZ, while the average recession takes 35 months
• 1 out of 8 jobs disappeared in AZ as a result of the latest recession
• Several labor companies and labor markets are growing in AZ
• There is evidence of upward pressure in wage increases
Trevor provided tips on setting up an intentional career, spoke of life after high school, and explained how not all careers are created equal. The 6 factors that lead to career satisfaction are:
• Achievement – using your abilities and having a feeling of accomplishment
• Independence – do tasks on your own, use creativity, and make your own decisions
• Recognition – opportunities for advancement and prestige
• Relationships – friendly co-workers and able to help others
• Support – supportive company and comfortable with management style
• Working Conditions – competitive pay, job security, and good working conditions
Trevor gave an update on labor inventory in AZ and projections for 2016-2016. Arizona’s labor inventory is mainly divided in the following main areas:
• Office and Administrative Support – 17%
• Sales and Related – 10%
• Food Preparation and Serving Related – 10%
• Transportation and Material Moving – 6%
• Management – 6%
• Healthcare Practitioners and Technical – 6%
Finally, the 5 indispensable factors for career readiness in today’s job market are:
- Develop Critical Skills (i.e. oral and written communication, Microsoft Office)
- Obtain Certifications
- The ability to learn might be the single most critical professional skill you ever develop
- The most in-demand and most lucrative careers in our labor market require significant levels of math and reading skills
- It’s not all about academics and technical skills
HIRING COMPANIES
Consumer Cellular: Jason Brambier, Corporate Recruiter
Consumer Cellular started with a simple idea and has grown into over 4 million consumers today. It began in the Pacific Northwest in 1995 and has been targeting senior citizens with low cost, affordable cellular phone plans. They aim to make people and communities stronger. The Phoenix location continues to grow and has/will have 600 more position to fill.
The current open position is for a customer account advisor, which is the face of the company handling incoming calls from customers. Ideal candidates should have 1+ years of customer service experience, a high school diploma or GED, basic computer skills, aptitude to quickly learn and navigate new technology systems and applications, amongst a few other requirements. Consumer Cellular has competitive benefits which include 100% paid medical, dental, vision coverage for fulltime employees, 401(k) match, educational reimbursement, employee wireless rate plan, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, employee rewards program, and more! For opportunities, check HERE!
Farmers: Surrie Atkins, Recruiter
Farmers began in 1928 and is headquartered in Los Angeles. It is one of the largest and most respected insurance brands in the US! Fun fact: Farmers is part of the Zurich Financial Services Group and a leading insurer of small and medium-sized businesses along with ranking as the third-largest personal lines property and casualty group. Farmers was certified Great Place to work 2017 and 2018 amongst other rewards and recognitions. Why Farmers? Simply put, because it is a career you are choosing with Farmers, there is plenty of growth opportunity, it is a stable company, there are a lot of fun activities, it is a casual work environment, and more!
Farmers has customer service and inbound sales position available now. Surrie pointed out that the sales positions do include commission and some of the top sales folks are able to truly make an impact production-wise while earning an income well above industry average. Check out opportunities HERE!
RESOURCES
PipelineAZ Katherine Pappas, Director of Workforce Strategy
As Director of Workforce Strategy for the Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI), Katherine Pappas manages the deployment, adoption, and ongoing enhancement of Pipeline AZ, the community workforce platform funded by the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA).
PipelineAZ is Arizona’s resource for career readiness. Arizona supports programs to train and educate at every career stage. It is about connecting the dots between dreams, talents, and careers. PipelineAZ’s platform explores where your skills are locally valuable. Educators, employers, and career mentors on PipelineAZ are looking for your skills and competencies and guide you through your career search. Building a skill footprint today on PipelineAZ makes you career ready for the digital marketplace. Your profile communicates directly to employers. You can explore career paths at every stage!
For more information or to set up a profile on the platform, go HERE!
Sheila Coulam provided additional resources and closing comments. Resources such as the DISC assessment, Event Recap blogs, and Professional Portraits are available on CareerConnectors.org post event to follow along and encompass more. Big shout out and thanks to GCU for lending their campus for our event and volunteers for helping with setup, photographs, financial counseling, LinkedIn coaching, and more!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thurs., 6/20 in Scottsdale; Tackling the Job Search Obstacle Course: Age, Race, Gender
Tues., 6/25 in Gilbert; Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out