Employment

The fastest growing jobs are in high technology and there is a high demand for computer engineers, systems analysts, electronic technicians, and computer specialists. There is also a high demand for work in housing-related businesses and the manufacturing industry.

Professionals in health services can find numerous opportunities with the several hospitals, clinics, and medical offices within the area. Physical, speech and occupational therapists, human services workers, residential counselors, and home health care aides are in increasing demand.

Candidates with sophisticated skills, higher education, or significant career histories can find management, technical or specialized opportunities within city, county, state, and federal government or private industry.

Maricopa County has 11 Arizona Workforce Connection/Onestop Centers. They also provide a website for job seekers and employers. This site is a powerful online job seeker/workforce services system, accessed as a web site on the Internet. It was specifically designed for job seekers, students, case managers, employers, training providers, workforce professionals, and others seeking benefits and services. The system provides fast access to a complete set of employment tools in one web site.

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry all employments records and documents, resumes, OF 612, SF 171, SF 50, transcripts, certificates, and licenses. Military spouses that require a professional license or certification can be reimbursed up to $1,000 when they PCS, see M&FRC for details.

The Transition Assistance Program provides information, tools and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life; whether pursuing additional education, finding a career or starting their own business.

Programs and services include, mandatory Initial Counseling, Pre-Separation Briefing, five-day TAP workshop, and the Capstone briefing. Each TAP workshop is facilitated by professionally trained subject matter experts. Workshop attendees learn about job searches, career decision making, Veteran's benefits, healthcare options, financial changes, resume and cover letter preparation, and interviewing techniques.

Spouses

Both children and spouses may be eligible for the Air Force Aid Society's General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. For more information, visit the AFAS online.

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field. For information on MyCAA please visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil.

For additional information call the Education Services Flight at 623-856-7722 or DSN 312-896-7722.

If job seekers want to file for unemployment benefits, they can complete an interstate claim at the office nearest to their residence or online at the Arizona Unemployment Insurance website. AZUI also offers information on unemployment benefits.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security, 1-877-600-2722

Area data:

- Unemployment rate for Arizona is 4% and 3.5% for Maricopa County

- Median household income for Maricopa County is $85,500.

- Minimum wage is $14.70