NW Valley Times

Mickey Nuñez, program manager at Grand Canyon University's Center for Workforce Development, recently celebrated the achievements of participants in a workforce development program during the Night of Celebration at Global Credit Union Arena. The event marked the completion of programs designed to help individuals pursue careers as electricians or machinists.

Nuñez expressed his emotional connection to the event, stating, "I just get emotional. I know this will change their lives." The program began with a Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians in 2022 and expanded to include a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinists Pathway. Since its inception, participation has more than tripled.

Among those recognized was Trace Scifres, who completed the CNC Pathway. Originally from Windsor, Colorado, Scifres shared his journey from being uncertain about his future to finding passion in CNC work after moving to Arizona. He credited the pathway with changing his life and expressed optimism about upcoming job opportunities.

The GCU Center for Workforce Development program aims to integrate participants into the workforce by partnering with industry sponsors. GCU Provost Dr. Randy Gibb praised participants for their perseverance through the four-month program and emphasized their role in shaping Arizona's future.

The initiative is expanding under Interim Director Shelly Seitz and Dean Paul Lambertson's leadership, with plans to grow into Austin, Texas. Keynote speaker JP Jaramillo highlighted the challenges faced by entry-level electrical workers but encouraged participants not to become statistics.

Jaramillo shared personal experiences of overcoming adversity and urged attendees to define themselves by their actions rather than circumstances: "Go fight your dragons and defy the odds."

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at [email protected]