Williams residents and CCC Extended Learning and Workforce Training Staff discuss training needs. Courtesy photo.
WILLIAMS — OSHA 10, CPR and First-Aid certifications. Skills in the trades that are useful for building maintenance. Customer service, and, of course, hotel and restaurant management certifications.
Over the course of two days last week, Williams residents voiced their workforce training needs to Continuing Education and Workforce Training leaders at Coconino Community College as part of a partnership with the City of Williams. The events, “Connect & Ignite,” were meant to give CCC information on creating and offering future training opportunities for the city’s workforce, particularly in the hospitality and service industries.
Among the event attendees were Mayor John Moore and business and community leaders.
“I am so grateful to those who attended and were able to guide us toward what this community may need or want for workforce training,” said Alexis Knapp, CCC Workforce Training Coordinator. “I am looking forward to providing some opportunities for learning, using the feedback from attendees.”
Joell Crittenden, Talent Acquisitions Manager for Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel who attended the session Friday, Feb. 4, said, “When CCC approached me for input, I was so excited to help.”
The business, one of many central to the Williams tourism economy, could use training in communication, HRM, the trades, CPR and more, she added. Additionally, the business faces a number of challenges, including not having enough applicants for positions, not having enough experience and training among applicants, and retaining employees. And, without a doubt, housing is a challenge.
Patrick Follett, General Manager for Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, which is currently under construction, said that businesses in the city would likely be best served if they coordinated their employment efforts, to work together to maximize the available workforce for city business.
Crittenden agreed with that, stating, “It’s really important for businesses to work together, or little communities won’t work.”
Dietrich Sauer, CCC Executive Director of Human Resources, gave a quick look at today’s workforce that shows that “gig” work (Uber, DoorDash and others) and flexible work schedules are gaining more and more traction among the available workforce, which makes competing for employees that much more of a challenge.
Eric Eikenberry, longtime Williams resident and entertainer known as “Tombstone Red,” who also serves as a CCC District Governing Board member representing the Williams district, gave a short history of the railroad and the city.
He asked the group, “What attracted you to Williams?”
Responses centered on an appreciation for small-town life, where people know one another and care for one another. The tourists who visit and stay a little while need to feel that appreciation and to be shown that they, too, are appreciated so they can enjoy their visit.
With the information gathered at the sessions, CCC Extended Learning and Workforce Training staff will develop workforce training geared specifically for the Williams workforce and will also be working with Williams High School on training opportunities this semester.
For more information about CCC Continuing Education and Workforce Training, contact alexis.knapp@coconino.edu, or call 928-226-4254. Residents who would like to provide feedback on training needs in Williams can fill out a short survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConnectAndIgnite