PHOENIX, AZ – Phoenix inaugurated its new Mobile Career Unit (MCU) with a ribbon cutting event at the Cesar Chavez Library. This new 38-foot-long vehicle aims to connect employers with residents seeking job opportunities.
The MCU is equipped with advanced technology to support job seekers and has the capacity to host up to three companies at a single hiring event, facilitating a greater supply of jobs in different neighborhoods. Its mobility allows it to respond quickly to labor market needs in areas with high unemployment rates.
Prior to the acquisition of this vehicle, the Phoenix workforce development team used a smaller unit to bring resources to the community.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego noted that the MCU represents an innovation in the city’s workforce development by challenging the traditional job fair model. She said the project, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, connects qualified candidates with stable job opportunities.
The MCU program was one of 15 winners of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge in 2022, awarding it $1 million in funding and operational assistance for implementation.
Since its inception, MCU has generated a positive impact on the Phoenix job market, with 386 job offers and 1,361 attendees at hiring events. Due to these results, the program’s goal for 2025 was expanded to 425 job offers, surpassing the initial target of 208.
Cristina Cacciato, a member of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Government Innovation program, pointed out that the MCU is an innovative model for addressing labor challenges in different communities and highlighted its potential to be replicated in other cities.
Beneficiaries of the program have highlighted its impact on their lives. Luis Enriquez, hired by the Phoenix Fire Department, said that the MCU provided him with access to a quality career, facilitating a process that he previously found challenging.
The unit travels the city to bring job opportunities to communities that have difficulty accessing employment resources. Business owners who have used the service have also praised its effectiveness.
Sam Wolo, president of the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, mentioned that their collaboration with the MCU facilitated a successful hiring event. Adrian Martinez, director of Talent Acquisition at Bashas’, noted that the preparation provided to candidates improves their performance in interviews and increases their chances of employment.
The MCU program demonstrates how the use of data and strategic partnerships can strengthen job development in Phoenix, promoting economic opportunities for residents and businesses.
