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Our Two-Minute Hiring Survey
If you are an employer, you may be struggling to find and keep workers. As Contra Costa County's workforce development agency, we would like to get a better understanding of our area's situation so we can help.

Please complete this short, two-minute survey about hiring in 2022. Your answers will help inform our programs and connect employers with services that meet their needs.
In early January, Cal State East Bay's College of Business & Economics opened its doors in Hayward as the new host site for America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), East Bay, serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

"The university's role as a Small Business Development Center extends direct educational and technical support to our regional business owners who are the backbone of a healthy local economy," said Cal State East Bay President Cathy Sandeen in a statement released by the college. "Our faculty and students will benefit from working directly with local businesses to solve real-world challenges, and in turn, these businesses will have terrific, comprehensive services and a pipeline for their workforce."
Express Your Views: California’s Unified Strategic Workforce Development Plan 2020-2023
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is seeking public comments on California’s Unified Strategic Workforce Development Plan 2020-2023 Modification.

The plan is posted on the CWDB website for a 30-day public comment period. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022, and must be submitted in writing by email to WIOAStatePlan@cwdb.ca.gov.
Jobseeker Success: Kimberly Reiter
Kimberly Reiter was facing hardships from all sides. "I was battling breast cancer, experiencing periods of homelessness and trying to leave an abusive relationship while the pandemic raged on," she said. "To say I was feeling hopeless was an understatement, but I leaned on my faith in Jesus, knowing that 'If He leads you to it, He will lead you through it.'”

Kimberly discovered Rubicon Programs and completed the WIOA Performance Trucking Academy in Stockton. Now she is employed full-time as a commercial truck driver/wet hose fueler at Diesel Direct.

"I now have a stable career in an industry with unlimited opportunities that also pays a living wage," Kimberly said. "My cancer is in remission and I have a safe, stable place to call home. I will forever be grateful to Rubicon and my WIOA career coach, Mayra Corral, for helping me to get back on my feet and giving me hope for the future."

Kimberly also looks forward to additional training to enhance her existing skills set with her sights on driving a bulk tanker and delivering jet fuel to airports. She would like to partner with an organization that encourages employing women in the trucking industry.

Kimberly's advice for others trying to overcome struggles: "It matters not your age, race or gender or if you’ve been homeless or faced a life-threatening illness. Our struggles in this life are similar. In order to be successful, it takes support from family and friends, the goodwill of strangers and assistance from programs like Rubicon."
Meet Kelly Schelin, Associate Vice Chancellor of Educational Services for the Contra Costa Community College District. With a robust background in workforce development, Kelly joined the WDBCCC board in June 2020 and serves on our Business and Economic Development Committee. She is passionate about building industry-informed training programs that are aligned with workforce needs.
Micro-Easy Vocational Institute's mission statement is simple, yet powerful and life-changing: "Micro-Easy is a vocational school for adults. We empower our community by training and certifying our students and equipping them with in-demand technical skills to ensure they are competitive in the modern job market."

In this month's Business Highlight, Micro-Easy Vocational Institute founder and CEO Kola Onafowode describes his organization and how the WDBCCC helps him to help others.
WDBCCC Webinars
Jobseekers: Join our February webinars to get ready to land your next job! We focus on career planning and other WIOA services, resume writing and using CalJOBS for your job search. Go to our Events Calendar for more info.
Untapped Talent Forum #3: People Experiencing Homelessness
February 8, 2022, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
In this no-cost virtual event hosted by the WDBCCC and Contra Costa Continuum of Care, employers can learn about populations they may not have considered hiring but who can bring amazing talents and skills to their jobs – if someone will give them chance!
Recruiting in a Pandemic World
February 16, 2022, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Are you an employer having difficulty finding qualified workers? Learn new strategies at this online presentation conducted by the California Employers Association and sponsored by the WDBCCC.
Truth in Journalism, Yamiche Alcindor
February 17, 2022, Noon to 1 p.m.

In February, the 2022 East Bay Leadership Series features Yamiche Alcindor, award-winning political journalist, anchor of Washington Week, and White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour.
The latest labor market information released by the state puts the unemployment rate for Contra Costa County at 4.2% in December, down from 4.6% in November.

graph showing decline
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