Those are examples of programs established to improve the work of existing employees through training and education. Needs for dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians, optometric technicians - where there is a shortage we will be asked to set up a program to educate and train to meet the demand. The Arizona Dental Association wanted a college to meet its needs for dental hygienists. Delta Dental Insurance joined the partnership, and dentists and insurance representatives donated to the program. Outside the facility, the Rio Salado College School of Dental Hygiene, at 1150 E. Washington in Phoenix, is a brick for every dentist who contributed to the facility.
Dentists also provide student scholarships and the high-paying jobs upon graduation.
Such examples of workforce development and training programs at community colleges are numerous. Carol Hughes, executive director of the Arizona Community College Association, says she is relatively new to the professional association, but is impressed with what she has already seen at the colleges. She cites examples of workforce development or training programs in colleges all over the state, including Cochise College's partnership with Aegis Communications Group, a national customer service and marketing research firm which has established a call center in Sierra Vista. Emily Fairbank, director of professional development for Cochise College, says efforts to attract Aegis to Sierra Vista included assurances by the Sierra Vista Economic Development Foundation that such a partnership with the college would be available. Additional training in supervision and management is being developed.