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Setup Youth for Success
Setup Youth for Success, a program under the Northern Arizona College Resource Center (NACRC), is dedicated to preparing students for the workforce, trade schools, and certificate programs. Recognizing that not all students follow traditional college pathways, the program offers personalized career counseling and resources to guide young people toward successful, hands-on careers. The program assists in helping students find internships, apprenticeships, and job placements in their fields of interest. The initiative also emphasizes financial aid options and scholarships for trade schools, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent students from pursuing their goals.
The program’s holistic approach extends beyond technical training. Through workshops and guidance, students learn essential skills such as resume building, interview preparation, and workplace communication, equipping them with both the technical and soft skills required for professional success. Setup Youth for Success also works closely with underserved communities, ensuring that low-income, first-generation, and marginalized students have access to resources that can lead to stable, long-term careers. With a focus on sustainability and workforce readiness, the program helps create clear pathways for students to transition into high-demand fields and industries.
- Career Counseling & Job Placement: Personalized guidance for entering the workforce, trade schools, or certificate programs.
- Partnerships with Local Employers: Opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience.
- Financial Aid Assistance: Support in finding scholarships and grants for trade school and certification programs.
- Soft Skills Training: Workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication.
- Support for Underserved Communities: Focus on helping low-income, first-generation, and marginalized students access career opportunities.
Trade Schools
Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) Accordion Closed
NAVIT is a joint technological education district offering career and technical education programs to high school students in partnership with local school districts. Programs include:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Trades
- Health Services
- Information Technology
These programs provide students with hands-on experience and industry certifications, facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce.
Coconino Community College (CCC) Accordion Closed
Located in Flagstaff, CCC offers a range of career and technical education programs aimed at preparing students for immediate employment. Some of the key programs include:
- Construction Technology Certificate: Provides a technical foundation in construction, including hands-on workshops with local contractors.
- Automotive Technology Certificate: Designed to prepare aspiring technicians for careers in the automotive industry, covering shop safety and basic technical skills.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Certificate: Offers foundational knowledge for entry-level positions in the HVACR industry, focusing on refrigeration, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Sustainable Green Building Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Educates students on green building practices, energy efficiencies, and sustainable design considerations.
- Construction and Industry Trades AAS: Prepares students with trade skills related to careers in various trades fields, including completion of apprenticeship and union-related qualifications.
Learn More About CCC
Certificate Programs
Certificate Programs in Northern Arizona Accordion Closed
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
- Health & Nursing: Public Health, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Recreational Therapy.
- Education: ESL, Educational Technology, Positive Behavior Support.
- IT & Science: Data Science, GIS, Wind Energy.
- Business: Business Analytics, Public Administration.
Certificate Programs at Coconino Community College Accordion Closed
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
- Health & Nursing: Public Health, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Recreational Therapy.
- Education: ESL, Educational Technology, Positive Behavior Support.
- IT & Science: Data Science, GIS, Wind Energy.
- Business: Business Analytics, Public Administration.
Arizona CDL Licensure Accordion Closed
CDL Types and Careers
- Class A: For tractor-trailers and tankers; ideal for long-haul trucking (average salary: $50,000–$70,000+ annually).
- Class B: For buses and dump trucks; suitable for local delivery and waste management ($40,000–$60,000 annually).
- Class C: For smaller vehicles like school buses or hazmat transport ($35,000–$55,000 annually).
Key Details
- Requirements: Minimum age 18 (21 for interstate driving), medical exam, and skills test.
- Endorsements: Specializations like hazardous materials (HazMat), tank vehicles, or passenger transport.
- Training: Offered at trade schools, community colleges (e.g., Coconino Community College), and company-sponsored programs.
Arizona Apprenticeship Guide Accordion Closed
An apprenticeship is a paid training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom learning, allowing you to gain valuable skills while earning a wage. Here’s a quick guide to help you explore apprenticeship opportunities in Arizona.
1. Key Industries Offering Apprenticeships in Arizona
- Construction: Trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Learn more at Arizona Builders Alliance.
- Manufacturing: Training in machining, welding, and quality control through Arizona Manufacturers Council.
- Healthcare: Apprenticeships for medical assistants and pharmacy techs. Explore Arizona Health Care Workforce.
- Information Technology: IT roles in software development, network administration, and cybersecurity. Check out Apprenti Arizona.
- Hospitality/Culinary: Training in cooking and hotel management through Arizona Culinary Institute.
2. How to Find Apprenticeships
- Apprenticeship Arizona: A state resource connecting you with programs across industries. Visit Apprenticeship Arizona.
- Arizona@Work: A statewide network offering apprenticeship listings. Visit Arizona@Work.
- Local Unions: Many trades like carpentry and electrical work offer apprenticeship programs. Contact unions for details.
3. Benefits of Apprenticeships
- Earn While You Learn: Get paid while receiving valuable on-the-job training.
- Job Opportunities: Many apprenticeships lead to full-time, well-paying jobs.
- Industry Certifications: Earn recognized credentials that improve job prospects.
4. How to Apply
- Research programs that match your interests.
- Check Eligibility for requirements like a high school diploma or age.
- Apply by submitting an application or attending an interview.
- Start Training once accepted into a program.
5. Resources for Apprenticeships
Arizona Career Exploration Guide Accordion Closed
Career Exploration
Career exploration is a crucial step in discovering the right career path for you. It involves understanding your interests, skills, and the types of jobs available in Arizona. This guide will help you explore different industries, education options, and resources to kickstart your journey.
1. Discover Arizona’s Key Industries
Arizona offers a variety of exciting career opportunities across different sectors. Here’s a quick look at some of the major industries in the state:
- Technology: With tech hubs like Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona offers roles in software development, IT, and cybersecurity. Learn more about Arizona’s tech scene on TechLaunch Arizona.
- Healthcare: Arizona’s healthcare industry is booming, with job opportunities in nursing, medicine, and health administration. Discover more on Arizona’s Health Careers.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Arizona’s tourism industry provides jobs in event planning, hospitality, and travel services. Visit Visit Arizona for more info.
- Construction & Real Estate: As Arizona grows, so does the demand for architects, construction managers, and real estate professionals. Explore careers in construction at Arizona Builders Alliance.
- Aerospace & Defense: Arizona is home to many aerospace and defense companies. Explore engineering and tech roles in this field with resources from Arizona’s Aerospace Industry.
2. Educational Paths in Arizona
Whether you’re looking for a traditional college degree or a quick certification, Arizona has options that cater to all career goals:
- Universities: Arizona is home to top universities such as Arizona State University and University of Arizona, offering diverse programs in business, engineering, healthcare, and more.
- Community Colleges: Consider attending a community college like Maricopa Community Colleges, where you can earn an affordable degree or certification in fields such as technology, healthcare, and business.
- Vocational Training: Arizona offers specialized training programs in areas like welding, cosmetology, and culinary arts. Check out programs at Pima Community College or other vocational schools.
3. Gain Experience Through Internships
Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your professional network. Start by checking local opportunities on platforms like Internships.com or inquire about internships at your school’s career center.
4. Use Job Portals and Networking
Searching for jobs and networking with professionals is a crucial part of career exploration. Here are some resources to help you:
- Job Portals: Websites like Jobing.com and Indeed offer Arizona-specific job listings.
- Networking Events: Attend job fairs and networking events, such as those hosted by Arizona Career Coalition, to meet employers and learn more about industries of interest.
- LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals, discover job opportunities, and learn about different careers.
5. Explore Career Counseling and Guidance
Many Arizona schools offer career counseling services to help you choose the right path and provide advice throughout your career exploration process:
- University Career Centers: Check out career services at ASU Career Services or other local institutions for personalized guidance and job search support.
- Arizona@Work: This statewide program offers workshops, career coaching, and job listings for students and job seekers. Visit Arizona@Work to get started.
