Creating real connections between employers and job seekers in Yavapai County

Yavapai College hosted another successful job fair on Wednesday, April 8, connecting 49 employers with job seekers from across Yavapai County and strengthening local workforce opportunities. 

The job fair was organized by the American Job Center at Yavapai College and brought together employers from healthcare, construction, public safety, behavioral health and other essential industries. Job Fair sponsor employers included Fann Contracting, Inc., Commonspirit, Yavapai County Sherif’s Office, Better Business Bureau Pacific Southwest, Sevita health, Copperstate Ambulance, and the Pines Home Health and Hospice. 

“Yavapai College is proud to serve as a bridge between education, business, and opportunity,” said Dr. Marylou Mercado, Vice President of Workforce Development and Health Sciences.  “Every person who attended came with a goal to work, grow, and build a better life. Seeing job seekers connect with employers who need them remind us why this work matters.” 

The April event builds on the success from past job fairs hosted by Yavapai College. Exhibitor participation in the April Prescott Job Fair increased by 25% compared to February’s Chino Valley job fair, with job seeker attendance increasing by 81.8%, reflecting the continued demand for workforce connections across the region. 

“Events like this demonstrate the power of partnership,” said Dawnette Polland, Director of the American Job Center at Yavapai College. “When higher education and community come together with a shared purpose, we strengthen our local economy and create clear pathways to opportunity for the people in Yavapai County.” 

In addition to employer booths, the event featured job seeker resources focused on public transportation, career guidance, and employment support. Participating organizations included Yavapai Regional Transit, Adult Basic Education, workforce programs at Yavapai College, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the American Job Center at Yavapai College.  

The job fair served individuals of all backgrounds, welcoming job seekers ages 16 and older and emphasizing inclusivity across industries, skill levels and career stages. The American Job Center at Yavapai College plans to continue this momentum with its next large-scale job fair scheduled for the second week of September in Prescott Valley. 

“The true success of a job fair is not just how many people attend, but how many connections are made,” said Richard James, Business Services Manager for The American Job Center at Yavapai College. “What matters most is helping employers meet qualified candidates and helping people move closer to finding meaningful work.”

The American Job Center at Yavapai College is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located on the Prescott campus in Building 1.  Walk-in visits are welcome, or appointments may be scheduled by calling (928) 776-2038.

Businesses and community partners interested in sponsoring future job fairs and serving as a conduit to connect job seekers with local employers are encouraged to get involved. 

For more information, please contact Richard James at 928-717-7312, richard.james@yc.edu. Employers who would like to participate as exhibitors at the next job fair in Prescott Valley, scheduled for the second week of September 2026, are also invited to reach out to Richard James.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.