Apache Junction library expands access to job-hunting resources

By Richard Dyer
Mail | X: @RHDyer

In addition to being a one-stop shop for checking out books and other media, the Apache Junction Public Library is home to Arizona@Work Pinal County services three days a week under a recently expanded partnership that provides free services such as helping with job searches and meeting with a career coach.

Arizona@Work Pinal County officials who had been at the library, 1177 N. Idaho Road, one day a week are now there 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Officials recently celebrated the expanded partnership with the city during a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the library.

Area residents seeking Arizona@Work Pinal County services previously had to travel to Casa Grande, which for years has been the economic growth center of the county, said Joel Millman, director of the Pinal County Economic and Workforce Development Department.

“The primary target job seeker for Arizona@Work Pinal County career services are individuals with barriers to employment,” he said. “It is almost inconceivable to ask those who need our services and live in other parts of the county to find their way to Casa Grande.”

Apache Junction Library Director Pam Harrison said she was approached by Millman in April 2024 about permanently housing a few Arizona@Work Pinal County staff members at the library to increase the program’s presence across the county.

“The library was excited about his partnership and worked with the city attorney to develop (a memorandum of understanding) with Arizona@Work Pinal County,” she said.

“The services provided through Arizona@Work align closely with both the library’s and the city’s priorities by expanding access to opportunity and supporting economic mobility for our residents,” Harrison said.

The library’s mission centers on lifelong learning, equity of access and connecting people with the resources they need to improve their lives, she said.

Arizona@Work network

Arizona@Work Pinal County services available at the Apache Junction Public Library include:

• Job search assistance
• Resume development
• Creation of Arizona Job Connection accounts
• Referrals to additional career development resources

Arizona@Work Pinal County is part of the statewide Arizona@Work network that connects job seekers and employers through what officials said were comprehensive workforce development and business services, Millman said.

“This network helps employers recruit, develop, and retain a skilled workforce, while providing job seekers with the tools, training and support they need to achieve career success,” he said. “By expanding access points and services across Pinal County, Arizona@Work continues to strengthen local communities, foster economic opportunity and help residents reach their career goals.”

Plan for expansion

One priority of the 2025-28 Arizona@Work Pinal County workforce development plan is to expand access to career services throughout the county, Millman said.

The Pinal County Workforce Development Board, which sets the strategic direction of Arizona@Work Pinal County, and the city of Apache Junction recently approved a formal partnership to strengthen the collaboration, he said.

“Through this partnership, Arizona@Work Pinal County has expanded service days at the Apache Junction Public Library ... ensuring that more residents can conveniently access career guidance, job search support and employment resources close to home,” Millman said.

Pinal County’s economic development efforts are focused on attracting new businesses to the region and supporting the growth and success of existing employers, he said.

“As part of this mission, Arizona@Work Pinal County plays a vital role in helping employers recruit qualified workers while ensuring that job seekers are prepared for in-demand occupations throughout the county,” Millman said.

“By providing Arizona@Work Pinal County services at the Apache Junction Public Library, we are expanding access to essential workforce resources,” he said. “These no-cost services help individuals become better prepared to meet the workforce needs of Pinal County employers and contribute to the region’s continued economic growth,” he said.

Harrison said she likes that the Arizona@Work offerings make the library a hub where learning can lead to employment and self-sufficiency.

“For the city, these services directly support priorities around economic development and workforce readiness. Helping residents find meaningful work contributes to a stronger local economy, reduces barriers to employment and improves overall quality of life. Together, this partnership allows us to leverage shared resources to achieve community-wide goals — creating a more resilient, skilled, and connected workforce,” she said.

In addition to its partnership with Arizona@Work, the library has long provided job and career support through its computer lab and knowledgeable staff, she said.

“Our staff can assist with online job searches, résumé preparation and basic digital skills — whether someone is creating their first résumé or updating an application. We also offer free computer and internet access, printing and scanning services, and a variety of online tools for career development,” Harrison said. “When Arizona@Work representatives are not on site, our library team ensures that patrons can still get help connecting to job opportunities and developing the skills they need to succeed.”

No increased need during federal shutdown

There has not been an increased need of Arizona@Work services with the federal government shutdown and decreased benefits, Millman said.

“To date we have not experienced an increase in need of our services as a result of the federal shutdown,” he said.

In a statement provided through the city of Apache Junction, an Arizona Department of Economic Security official had a similar response regarding needs increasing during the shutdown.

“There hasn’t been an overwhelming demand at this time, but we are at the early stages of benefits being affected by the community. Once the community is fully experiencing the effects of the federal shutdown, we do anticipate our services being in demand and an increase in community outreach,” Leroy Sparrow, ADEQ workforce specialist, said.

Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines, https://www.yourvalley.net/civility-checklist/.

Richard Dyer
Managing Editor | East Valley

rdyer@iniusa.org

Meet Richard
Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.  

Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions. 

Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.

Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.

Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.