NW Valley Times

Jenelle Davis, a participant in the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Center for Workforce Development’s program, successfully secured an apprenticeship with DP Electric after completing the center's Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway. Davis is part of a program that has seen 333 people finish their courses across five cohorts since its inception in 2022. The center aims to assist those for whom a traditional four-year college is not feasible, offering pathways that facilitate immediate employment opportunities.

Participants, like Davis, often find themselves in positions that improve their financial situation and provide them with new career opportunities. “I do wrestling and jujitsu, so part of it is proving people wrong,” Davis said, showcasing her determination to succeed in a field traditionally dominated by men.

The center celebrated its participants at a recent event in the Global Credit Union Arena. Many, according to Center Director Shelly Seitz, never anticipated attending college. Seitz remarked, “A lot of these people never thought they would come to college. Now, they are on the other side of it in an apprenticeship.”

The GCU initiative has expanded beyond its initial offerings to include new pathways in other trades. Recently, it extended its reach to Austin, Texas, and initiated partnerships with Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and McCarthy Building Companies to further address workforce shortages and provide skill-specific training. College of Engineering and Technology Dean, Paul Lambertson, emphasized that their efforts are not detracting from higher education but rather expanding educational and career opportunities for diverse talents noting, “We are about helping people find your purpose.”

The Center for Workforce Development emerged from a collaboration with industry partners. Rosendin Electric’s Mike Greenawalt approached GCU to create a vetting system for potential apprentices, prompting the university to develop a comprehensive curriculum. Lambertson praised the effectiveness of their approach, saying, “Our first cohort of 39 went into that rack and stack of 800 (union apprenticeship applicants) and came out ranked one through 39. You can’t get a cleaner sweep than that.”

Companies like Corbins Electric have seen notable benefits from this program, reducing turnover among apprentices and providing a clear understanding of the demands and opportunities trades present. Matt Apodaca, Corbins’ director of training, highlighted the program's capability to prepare participants for the rigorous nature of trade work, stating, “It’s physically and mentally demanding. You are waking up at 5 in the morning and working 10-hour days and on Saturday. It takes its toll on people, compared to a few hours at McDonald’s.”

The impact of the program is evident for individuals like Christian Rodriguez, who relocated to Phoenix to join GCU’s first cohort and is now part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. Rodriguez expressed, “What I love about electrical work is the way the systems work, the way electricity runs through the equipment, the way math applies.”

GCU’s pathway programs are designed not only to teach specific trade skills but also to instill leadership qualities, helping participants to be viewed favorably by employers. The program's growth is set to continue, exploring additional training avenues tailored to specific industry needs. Lambertson concluded, “I look at knowledge delivery the way a businessman does. You have to meet people where they are. For some people, that’s a four-course, one-semester trades pathway.”

The GCU Center for Workforce Development’s model has received recognition, winning a Greater Phoenix Chamber award as a top economic driver, highlighting the program's relevance and effectiveness.