Monthly Newsletter - August 2026 | | Build New Skills & Explore Careers with Job Corps | | |
Looking to build new skills, explore career pathways, or further your education? Job Corps is the nation's largest residential career training and education program, offering eligible young adults ages 16–24 the opportunity to gain valuable workforce skills at NO COST.
To learn more, join a virtual information session every Monday at 10:00 a.m.
Visit the Job Corps website to explore available programs and take the first step toward your future.
| | | 2026 Central Contra Costa Career and Resource Fair | | Thursday, August 20 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Concord, CA | | |
Job seekers are invited to attend the 2026 Central Contra Costa Career and Resource Fair for an opportunity to meet with local employers, explore career opportunities, and connect with valuable community resources.
Some employers may be hiring on the spot; be sure to bring your resumes!
For more information, call (925) 655-3800 or email wdb@ehsd.cccounty.us.
| | Employment Assistance for Affected Oil & Gas Industry Workers | | Child Care Boost Initiative Cohort 2 Underway | | |
CocoKids is proud to launch Cohort 2 of the Child Care Boost Initiative, a Measure X-funded wage enhancement program designed to support and retain Contra Costa County's early childhood education workforce.
Early educators play a vital role in helping children learn, grow, and thrive while enabling parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce. The Child Care Boost Initiative recognizes the importance of these professionals by providing monthly wage enhancement stipends, professional development opportunities, and access to a supportive network of peers committed to strengthening early care and education throughout the county.
The program builds on the success of Cohort 1, which supported 120 child care professionals and achieved an 80% retention rate. Participants reported feeling more valued, financially supported, and better equipped to remain in the field serving children and families.
Priority consideration for Cohort 2 is focused on providers serving some of Contra Costa County's highest-need communities, including Antioch, Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Richmond, and San Pablo, as well as programs serving infants and toddlers, school-age children, children with documented disabilities, and families requiring care during non-traditional hours.
By investing directly in early educators, the Child Care Boost Initiative strengthens workforce stability, reduces turnover, and helps ensure Contra Costa County families continue to have access to high-quality child care services.
For more information about the Child Care Boost Initiative, contact Autumn Brooks, Workforce Development Coordinator at CocoKids, at autumn.brooks@cocokids.org or (925) 956-4774.
| | WDBCCC Supports Contra Costa County District 5's 2026 Bay Point Community Resource Fair | | |
On July 25, 2026, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC), in partnership with the Office of Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, District 5, hosted over 90 employers and community organizations to participate as exhibitors in the second annual Bay Point Community Resource Fair.
Held at the Ambrose Community Center, the event welcomed more than 500 attendees for a day filled with countless resources, invaluable services, lunch, groceries, and warm family-friendly activities aimed at uplifting and empowering the community.
This year's fair saw an increase in exhibitors compared to last year's inaugural fair, providing valuable information on career exploration, employment, and supportive services. WDBCCC also set up an exhibitor booth to highlight employment and training opportunities, workforce services, and small-business development resources, while sharing promotional materials with attendees.
A backpack giveaway, sponsored by a WDB Board member, provided backpacks to elementary, middle, and high school students throughout the event.
District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston expressed her gratitude to the Ambrose Recreation and Park District, generous sponsors, the numerous nonprofit organizations, county agencies, volunteers, and especially the Bay Point community for coming together in such strong numbers to support the event. She emphasized how meaningful it was to witness the community unite in a celebration of connection, collaboration, and community spirit.
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WDB Attends “Meet the Engineers” Panel Discussion and the Tour at the
Metropolitan Transportation Commission in San Francisco!
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On June 22, 2026, in support of its partnership with Growth Sector, Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa College, and the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway (EDAP), the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County's Business Services Representative, Charles Brown III, attended the "Meet the Engineers" panel discussion and facility tour at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Bay Area Metro Center in San Francisco. These agencies focus on transportation, housing, air quality, and land use planning throughout the Bay Area.
Students had the opportunity to connect with engineering professionals from Montez Group, VST Engineering, WSP, Fehr & Peers, and Transit and Rail Engineering during interactive roundtable discussions. Panelists shared what inspired them to pursue careers in civil engineering, highlighted memorable projects and challenges, discussed the skills needed for success in the field, explored how the profession is expected to evolve over the next five to ten years, and offered valuable advice to students beginning their engineering journeys. The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session.
The EDAP Summer Bridge Program currently serves 23 students through a free, six-week paid program designed to strengthen math skills in preparation for calculus, provide career and professional development opportunities, and connect participants with peers pursuing engineering careers. As a year-round, paid pathway, EDAP supports students as they transition to university transfer, earn a bachelor's degree in engineering, and ultimately launch careers in the engineering profession.
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CCWORKS Success Story: Raquel | |
The CCWORKS Subsidized Employment Program continues to help Contra Costa County residents gain the skills, experience, and support needed to achieve long-term career success. Through paid work experience, job readiness training, and individualized employment services, CCWORKS provides participants with opportunities to build confidence, develop marketable skills, and transition into permanent employment.
One participant, Raquel, is a testament to the program's impact. After participating in Job Club and Job Search, Raquel was referred to CCWORKS, where she worked with Employment Placement Counselor Kasandra Knox to prepare for employment. Through the program, she secured a Work Experience (WEX) Trainee Clerk position in the Welfare to Work Program, where she developed valuable administrative and technical skills while gaining hands-on experience with systems including CalWIN, Compass Pilot, and CalSAWS.
The experience she gained through CCWORKS laid the foundation for continued career advancement. After completing the program's required training, Raquel progressed from County Temp Clerk to permanent Clerk, then to Comprehensive Services Assistant Manager, and later to Social Services Program Assistant. Today, she serves as a Social Worker with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master of Social Work degree.
Reflecting on her journey, Raquel encourages future participants to take full advantage of all the resources available through CCWORKS, including employment services, supportive programs, and childcare assistance. She credits the program, along with the mentorship and encouragement she received throughout her career, with helping her overcome barriers and achieve her professional goals.
Organizations interested in becoming a CCWORKS Subsidized Employment Program worksite host are encouraged to contact the program at
(925) 655-3800 or via email at ccworks@ehsd.cccounty.us. Together, we can create meaningful employment pathways to help participants develop skills, gain experience, and move confidently toward self-sufficiency.
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*Youth & BED Committee: Wednesday, August 19, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
*Youth Committee: Wednesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
| | Learn How to Apply for State of California Jobs | | |
Need guidance on how to apply for State of California careers? The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is hosting In-Person Office Hours at AJCC Concord!
When: Tuesday, August 18
Time: 9 a.m.- 12 p.m
Address: 4071 Port Chicago Hwy #250, Concord, CA
Candidates are welcome to walk in anytime during the scheduled hours to speak with a member of the Recruitment and Outreach team. No sign-up required!
| | Jobseeker Events in August | | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in June 2026. That's up from a revised 4.0 percent in May 2026. Read the most recent State Labor Report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division. | | Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. | | If this email was forwarded to you, quickly sign up to receive future editions of this newsletter and other communications. | | | | |
