Monthly Newsletter - July 2026 | | Maritime Training Information Sessions | | Thursday, July 16 & July 23; Friday, July 31 | Multiple Times & Locations | | |
Struggling to find a stable career path with good pay and long-term opportunities? The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is helping
residents overcome employment barriers by offering Maritime Training with extra support to ensure success. Attend an Information Session to connect to a 10-week skilled trades training program designed to prepare participants for in-demand careers in the maritime industry.
Eligible participants can receive stipends while training, making it easier to focus on building new skills and advancing toward employment.
English language learners, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, immigrants, justice-involved individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and women are especially encouraged to explore this opportunity.
Must be 18 years and over to apply.
Pre-registration is required.
| | | Discover Emerging Careers in AI, Robotics, and Electric Vehicle Technology
| | Tuesday, July 7 | 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | AJCC Concord | | |
Job seekers interested in learning more about careers in artificial intelligence, robotics, and electric vehicle technology are encouraged to attend an upcoming Career Exploration Workshop presented by Launch Institute of Technology in partnership with
EastBay Works.
This free workshop is designed to introduce participants to emerging career pathways and provide an overview of the skills, training, and certifications needed to enter these fast-growing industries. Attendees will learn about career opportunities in artificial intelligence, robotics, and electric vehicle technology, the earning potential, and the short-term training programs that can help prepare individuals for these fields.
| | | Launch a Career in as Little as 12 Weeks | | 3rd Tuesday of Every Month | 10:00 a.m. | | |
Opportunity Junction, a WDBCCC partner, offers FREE monthly Information Sessions that connect Contra Costa County residents to NO-COST training programs in healthcare, office careers, technology, and more.
These programs help individuals gain valuable skills and prepare for in-demand careers in as little as 12 weeks.
Join an information session held on the third Tuesday of each month.
| | | Build Your Future with Job Corps | | |
Are you between the ages of 16 and 24, looking to kickstart your career but unsure of where to begin? Job Corps may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential career training and education program for eligible young people, offering no-cost training, education, counseling, and career pathway support to help participants build skills for long-term success. The local campus is on Treasure Island. Participants can live on campus or commute.
The program serves income-eligible individuals who are ready and motivated to improve their education and future, in need of job skills training and related support, and who meet eligibility requirements.
Learn more about Job Corps and how to begin the application process at JobCorps.gov or by calling 800-733-JOBS (5627).
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WDBCCC Connects with Regional Leaders at East Bay EDA Council Gathering | |
The WDBCCC staff member Vincent Manuel, Administrative Services Assistant III, attended the East Bay EDA Economic Development Directors' Council meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Oakland, on behalf of
Executive Director Tamia Brown. We extend our sincere thanks to Pacific Gas and Electric Company for hosting the Council at their Oakland headquarters.
During the meeting, PG&E provided updates on upcoming grant opportunities, including the next cycle of the Restaurant Cares Grant, and shared an overview of their support for local and regional economic development. The Council also received information on major transmission capacity projects planned for the region that will help expand power capacity.
Congratulations to Angela Wen Tsui, ACE, CPD, Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of Newark, who was unanimously elected
Chair-Elect, and to Bret Alexander Sweet, who will assume the role of
Chair in the coming year. We also extend our appreciation to the outgoing
Chair Eleanor Hollander, AICP, for her dedicated leadership and partnership.
The meeting concluded with a celebration of June birthdays, complete with a delicious cake from Mariposa Bakery in Oakland. Happy birthday to
Bret Alexander Sweet, Eleanor Hollander, AICP, and Jaclyn C. Funasaki!
| WDBCCC Hosts the Spring 2026
Far East Contra Costa Career Fair | | Pictured (L-R): City of Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer, WDBCCC’s Executive Director Tamia Brown, and Contra Costa County District III Supervisor Diane Burgis. | | |
On May 27, 2026, the WDBCCC hosted the Spring 2026 Far East Contra Costa Career Fair at the Brentwood Community Center.
The event brought together 31 employers and 11 resource providers and welcomed over 250 job seekers and community members.
Participating resource partners included the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD), Rubicon Programs, and Contra Costa County District III Supervisor Diane Burgis’ Office.
| | | Measure X Youth Centers District 4 Aviation Day | | Through the Measure X Youth Centers initiative, youth in District 4 recently attended Alaska Airlines Aviation Day at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The experience provided students with an opportunity to explore careers within the aviation industry and learn about the many roles that support airline and airport operations. Throughout the day, participants met pilots and connected with Alaska Airlines employees representing a variety of departments and career pathways. | | |
The hands-on experience allowed students to engage directly with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into careers in aviation. Opportunities such as Aviation Day help expose young people to emerging career pathways and support informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
We appreciate the continued partnership of our Measure X providers in creating meaningful career exploration experiences that connect youth to industries and opportunities throughout the region. This event could not have been made possible without the partnership of Community Youth Center (CYC), Making Waves Education Foundation, and Earn & Learn.
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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.
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Looking to change careers this year? Check out EASTBAYWorks' events, where you can gain certifications and other job-training skills. This month's events include:
*Career Exploration Workshop: Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
*Intro to Computers: Friday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
| | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in May 2026. That's down from a revised 4.2 percent in April 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. | | | | |
