The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation (Foundation) Financial Services Workforce Collaborative convened from 2017 – 2021 as an employer-led forum for companies seeking financial services talent, working collectively to increase the talent pool.
Arizona is a financial services hub with a growing number of positions, especially entry-level licensed professionals. As the number of jobs continues to grow, companies need alternative pathways for talent development and attractions.
Financial Services Collaborative Past Priorities
- Continue to increase the number of qualified applicants by embedding Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam content and required competencies into credit courses within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD)
- Launch updated courses at the community colleges and bring increased career awareness to individuals seeking their next career
- Provide participating employers with ongoing access to students within MCCCD as guest speakers, through hiring events, and on-campus interviews
Accomplishments of the Collaborative
- 2017: In partnership with the City of Phoenix’s Arizona@Work office, the Financial Services Workforce Collaborative launched a training program in November 2017 that utilized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to prepare individuals to pass the Series 7 license exam. This program supported employers by training job seekers on the front end, prior to employment.
- 2018: FINRA introduced the new Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam in October 2018, a gateway into the financial services industry. With the introduction of this new exam, the collaborative launched the Financial Industry Training (FIT) to prepare individuals to sit for the SIE exam and provide immediate access to employment opportunities with participating employers.
- 2019: The Foundation partnered with Maricopa Corporate College and provided six cohorts of training throughout the year to job-seekers. In addition, the collaborative began a dialogue with the local community colleges to better align relevant for-credit curriculum with the needs of financial services firms.
- 2020: The Foundation with Maricopa Community Colleges successfully piloted a for-credit Securities Industry Essentials Exam Prep course and is continuing to grow the program and industry interest.
Contact our Workforce team with questions or to get involved in our Workforce Collaboratives!
Workforce Development Manager | [email protected]