Phoenix is working on a new program to get more people to work. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved using $10 million in federal funds to provide training, education and monthly stipends.

The Workforce Wraparound Tuition/Apprentice Program will target residents in industries hardest hit by the pandemic: hospitality, food service, and retail with an emphasis on families with children.

Mayor Kate Gallego said the city is being very intentional, “We’re really focusing on key industries such as cyber security and advanced manufacturing where people can have great careers and benefits where we know there are jobs available.”

Other industries are bioscience and health care, financial services and customer contact centers, construction, early childhood education and hospitality and tourism.

Participants will receive monthly cash payments of $1,000 for up to 26 weeks, and participants with a child or children will receive an extra $500 a month.

Tuition assistance will be covered for those enrolled at a Maricopa County Community College or other identified training providers.

Phoenix Economic Development Director Christine Mackay said the program will include work-based experience and mentoring.

“The plan with our program is to do exactly that, to help them at the end achieve, not only the job that they have been trained for but the mentor either within the organization or within the industry to help them continue to be successful,” she said.

The city still must work out an agreement with the community college district.

EDITOR’S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.