Rural employers don't just need workers—they need workers who can stay, grow, and help a business run better. In this episode of Rural Builds, host Rob "Birdman" Hepner talks with Jay Johnson, Rural Program Manager of Workforce Development at Local First Arizona, about a program that's putting real support (and real dollars) behind rural hiring.

Jay breaks down the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network, a multi-county workforce initiative stretching from Kingman to Show Low/Holbrook, built in partnership with community colleges and training providers across five northern Arizona counties. The goal is simple: deliver the right training for each region—and then connect trained workers to employers who are ready to hire and retain them.

Here's the part rural business owners will want to hear: the program doesn't just offer free training for workers. It also offers employer incentives up to $5,000, including paid time-off for interviewing program participants, support for staff training (including soft skills), and stipends to help businesses strengthen operations. Jay explains how the reimbursement process works, why soft skills should be treated like ongoing practice—not a one-time seminar—and how employer involvement helps ensure the training actually matches real-world needs.

This episode is also time-sensitive. Jay shares key deadlines: Local First Arizona aims to get employers committed by March 1, with the grant wrapping up in June. If you're a rural Arizona employer who needs better staffing, better training, or a better hiring pipeline, this is a chance to get in while the support is still on the table.

If you are a business, don't hesitate, click this link NOW - https://localfirstaz.com/good-jobs

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