Gilbert has renewed its partnership with Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) to support both Resident Career Training Scholarships and the Professional Skills program, offering self-paced training for Gilbert residents and employees of Gilbert-based businesses. This is the fourth consecutive year for the higher education partnership.
Gilbert Next Level Resident Career Training Scholarships are available the 2024 – 2025 school year for Gilbert-based students enrolled at Maricopa Information Technology Institute-East Valley (MITI-EV), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and Mesa Community College (MCC). The programs of study offered via these job training scholarships provide entry-level and upskilling opportunities to prepare Gilbert employees and residents for careers in business, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and trades. The career areas offered are in high demand, with the potential to earn more than the median Maricopa County wage.
Professional Skills has evolved into a self-paced online training tool that is free for active students, regardless of where they reside, and offers an opportunity for those enrolled to take their soft skills training to the next level. Participants complete a series of professional skills modules throughout the month-long course which contain activities and assessments designed to enhance their skills. All modules are completed online with access to an instructor. This program is a great opportunity for Gilbert business owners to invest in their current employee and new hire training programs, and for Gilbert job seekers looking to improve employability.
Additional business-related training and small business support is available on the Gilbert Next Level HUUB, a town wide online community and resource center for Gilbert-based businesses and entrepreneurs. Active engagement, community board support and online networking will be managed under an agreement with the Gilbert Chamber Foundation.
All programs are part of Gilbert Office of Economic Development’s Gilbert Next Level platform – a collection of workforce development and business support initiatives. To learn more about Gilbert Next Level’s current offerings for Gilbert residents and Gilbert businesses, visit www.GilbertNextLevel.com.
Previous Student Testimonials: “Gilbert has helped pay for my 4th and final semester at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, affording me extra funds from my student loans to upgrade my equipment (computer, monitor, chair etc.). The courses I’m currently attending are helping me attain the AGEC-A certificate, so that I may have an easier entrance into a university. I actually have already been accepted into the University of Arizona Online Cyber Operations Bachelor’s Degree Program, and I cannot wait to get started this fall.”
“It paid for my first semester of nursing school! If there’s something you want to study, do it. Community college is an affordable way to learn valuable, useful skill sets. Thank you so much for funding this program and allowing Town of Gilbert residents to receive scholarships like this so we can further our education and once graduate, continue working where we also live!”
“Gilbert has helped me with being able to financially continue going to school. I want to continue down my management path. I have management experience from my time in the military and my current job and I want a degree to match my experience. Having a degree shows your employer or prospective employer your commitment to success and that you have the ability to apply yourself in varied situations and circumstances.”