Return Stronger Website Aims To Return Arizonans To The Workforce With New Skills

PHOENIX, AZ (May 19, 2020) — The Arizona Commerce Authority, in partnership with the state’s workforce development network ARIZONA@WORK, has launched a new website to connect Arizonans statewide with employment training resources and virtual career counseling. The Return Stronger Upskilling website is designed to provide workers who are no longer employed due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a central place to learn about and leverage the many no-cost training opportunities available to them.

“This campaign is about getting Arizonans back to work with the tools and support they need to return stronger,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The Return Stronger Upskilling website will help displaced workers enhance existing skills, learn new material and advance in their career. My thanks to everyone working to expand opportunities for Arizonans in need as we gradually breathe life back into our businesses.” 

The website brings together ARIZONA@WORK’s comprehensive suite of training tools that provide support for those exploring a new career, assist those who wish to obtain an industry-recognized credential, or help workers complete their education by earning a GED. Additionally, the website connects job seekers with local career counselors who will provide guidance and recommendations on programs and services aligned with their specific employment goals. Participants can still receive unemployment benefits during the training period.

“The Arizona Commerce Authority is proud to partner with ARIZONA@WORK to promote the valuable resources available to Arizonans whose employment has been affected by this pandemic,” said Sandra Watson. “Under Governor Ducey’s leadership, the ACA is committed to providing businesses and workers with as many tools as possible to help them succeed as we begin to re-energize our economy."

The website also connects workers to unique new opportunities, such as the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative. Arizona is among the first states in the nation to participate in the program, which provides unemployed workers with free access to all 3,800 courses and professional certifications offered by the leading online learning platform. 

The Return Stronger Upskilling effort is a collaborative partnership among the Arizona Commerce Authority, Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Department of Education and ARIZONA@WORK, a public and private partnership with 12 regional areas and 47 local offices. 

Media Contact
Connie Weber
Arizona Commerce Authority
(602) 845-1243
[email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.