Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (SBCWDB) is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of businesses, adults, laid-off workers, and youth throughout Santa Barbara County. | |
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Business Closing
or Laying Off Employees
When a business is closing or laying off employees,
our Rapid Response team is here to assist the business during the transition and provide free information and resources to the affected workers.
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New Business
Large Recruitment
When a new business is coming into the county
and has a huge recruitment, our Business Services
will provide you with assistance on the best way to attract well-qualified applicants.
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Job Seekers
Any job seeker or dislocated worker of any age or situation is welcome to our America's Job Center of California (AJCC) in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria to see if they qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to receive free assistance in looking for a job and obtaining training.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | |
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Luis F. Servin
Executive Director
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Dear Santa Barbara County Community,
I hope this message finds you well. As we move into July, I am excited to share some important information and upcoming events that are pivotal for our local businesses, educators, and community members.
SMVCC Workforce Challenges Survey
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is conducting a Workforce Challenges Survey aimed at local businesses and educators. Your participation is crucial in helping us understand the workforce needs and challenges in our community. This survey will provide valuable insights that will guide our efforts to develop effective workforce solutions and support our local economy. I encourage all business leaders and educators to take a few moments to complete the survey.
California Paid Family Leave Grant
We are pleased to announce the availability of the California Paid Family Leave Grant. This grant provides financial assistance to small businesses to help offset the costs associated with employees taking paid family leave. It's an excellent opportunity for businesses to support their employees' family needs while maintaining operational efficiency. For more details on how to apply, please see the section below.
Business Services Presentation
On June 27, the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board’s Business Services team delivered an informative presentation to Solvang businesses. The event was designed to showcase the array of services available to support local businesses and enhance their workforce capabilities. The presentation covered key topics such as subsidized wages, certification programs, recruitment assistance, and layoff aversion strategies. For more information on any of these services, please contact our Business Services Strategist, Alma Janabajab or visit our website.
Business Resources and Community Events
We continuously strive to provide valuable resources and support to our local businesses. Our newsletter features a comprehensive list of business resources, including funding opportunities, training programs, and support services. Additionally, we also share events from our partners. These events offer great networking opportunities and a chance to engage with fellow community members.
Stay connected with us through our monthly Workforce Wednesday newsletters and social media channels to receive the latest updates and information. Your engagement and feedback are vital to our mission of enhancing workforce development in Santa Barbara County.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. Together, we can overcome challenges and create a thriving economic landscape for all.
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber
Workforce Challenges Survey for Local Businesses and Educators
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The Santa Maria Valley Chamber remains active in local workforce development, with one of our strategic priorities being to “ensure businesses can count on a pipeline of workers trained for local jobs & careers”.
To better understand the challenges our business and education communities face when it comes to workforce and talent, we are asking that you complete a brief survey. Click here for more information.
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California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online Applications Open Now
Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program.
These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing staff and hiring and training new or temporary employees. By alleviating these financial burdens, the program seeks to ensure that businesses can continue to operate smoothly while their employees take necessary time off
Thanks to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce for sharing this information.
Click here for more information
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Business Services Presentation
SBCWDB was invited by Solvang Chamber to present on Business Services to their local businesses on June 27. Workforce Development Board Chair, Sandra Dickerson provided the opening remarks seguing to SBCWDB Executive Director Luis Servin who provided the overview of SBCWDB. The services were categorized into four sections and covered by SBCWDB Business Services Strategist, Alma Janabajab and Employment Program Representative from the Employment Development Department (EDD), Herbert Villa followed by SBCWDB Member and Executive Committe Member, Glenn Morris who led an interactive and engaging discussion.
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National Professionals Day/Week/Month for July
(source: TerryBerry.com)
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Month
- National Independent Retailers Month
Week
- 11 - 17 | National Farriers Week
- 18 - 24 | National Zookeeper Week
Days
- 5 | National Workaholics Day
- 15 | Get to Know Your Customer Day
- 16 | National Personal Chef Day
- 25 | National Hire a Veteran Day
- 25 | Culinarians Day
- 29 | National Intern Day
- 30 | System Administrator Day
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Be proactive! The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (SBCWDB) offers Rapid Response services designed to fortify your company against potential layoffs or closures through early intervention and support. | |
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Why wait until you're in deep water?
The advantages of Rapid Response services include:
🔹 Reduced Unemployment Insurance costs
🔹 Maintained productivity
🔹 Enhanced worker morale
🔹 Positive community impact
Don't leave your business's future to chance. Take early action with SBCWDB's Rapid Response services and secure a stable and prosperous path forward.
Reach out to SBCWDB's Rapid Response team today!
Contact
Alma Janabajab
Business Services Strategist
📞 805.884.6812
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AJCC Business Spotlight
Can't wait for the next job fair? Looking to connect with job seekers now? At both of our America's Job Center of California (AJCC) locations, we are offering Business Spotlight. Business Spotlight will feature a business on a designated date and time who will then share about the company and talk with job seekers interested in getting hired.
To schedule and find out more, reach out to the following:
Joaquin Vargas,
j.vargas-silva@mcscareergroup.com for north county (Lompoc - Guadalupe) or
Daniel Branuelas, Daniel.Branuelas@edd.ca.gov for south county (Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria)
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Internship Opportunities for Businesses | |
Summer is a great time to offer internship opportunities at your place of business. Below are various partners who can help you provide experience to our workforce. Some of our partners can also pay for interns. | |
Internships and On-the-Job Training Opportunities
Are you a business owner searching for skilled staff? Or are you an individual looking to gain valuable experience in a new career? We can help! Our program offers various services to connect businesses with eager job seekers.
We offer paid internships for businesses and can provide you with individuals eager to gain experience in your industry. Our program covers wages from 300 to 900 hours, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.
If you're seeking experienced individuals, our referral program can connect you with highly qualified candidates enrolled in our program. We even offer on-the-job training and can cover 50% of wages for up to six months, depending on the job position.
Contact Juan Rubio, jrubio@mcscareergroup.com for south county (SB, Carpinteria or Goleta) or Stephanie Navarro, snavarro@mcscareergroup.com for north county (between Lompoc to Guadalupe).
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UCSB California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) Propel Program
Article provided by Alana Beal, CNSI-Propel
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Santa Barbara County college students are actively looking for new internship opportunities. The UCSB California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) Propel Program can help place these students in internships with your company, and cover the costs associated!
Funded through the State of California and designed to provide students with an opportunity to build skills, gain experience, and grow their professional network through STEM-related internships with our region’s most innovative tech companies, CNSI Propel matches students with firms ranging from early-stage startups to established companies.
CNSI-Propel Startup Fellowships: For California-based companies who have been incorporated for less than five years and have not raised Series A funding, the Propel program will fully cover the costs of student interns. The term of the internship is (6) months and students are available for year-round opportunities.
CNSI-Propel Futures Fellowships: The CNSI-Propel Futures Fellowships focuses on providing first-generation college students with internship opportunities. The term of the internship is three (6) months.
CNSI Propel will fully cover the costs of Allan Hancock College, Santa Barbara City College, and UCSB Students in internship opportunities.
Post an internship opportunity here. Questions about the program? Reach out to Alana Beal at abeal@ucsb.edu.
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Santa Barbara City College Internship Program
Article provided by Christina Maguire, SBCC
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Looking to fill job, internship or volunteer opportunities? Santa Barbara City College is renowned as one of the leading two-year community colleges in California and the nation, and many of its students are eager to work and intern! SBCC has students from all ages and stages of life involved in a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, as well as transfer programs that provide the first two years of study toward their baccalaureate degree. Click for information on how to hire SBCC students, or for questions, contact Christina Maguire, Internship Coordinator, cjmaguire@pipeline.sbcc.edu | |
Interns Available through Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)
If you are an employer interested in hiring a high school youth through Partners in Education, we encourage you to start the process with us now even if you aren’t ready to hire until fall or winter. Check out the FAQs on our page and how to schedule a call with our staff: https://partners.sbceo.org/get-involved/hire-an-intern/
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COMMUNITY CONNECT
Events throughout Santa Barbara County
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Build Your Business (BYB)
Join the Chamber, along with your fellow Chamber members every Friday for our Build Your Business (BYB) networking meeting! This weekly networking meeting provides a great opportunity for Chamber members to meet and connect with fellow Chamber members of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce's business community and enjoy a casual and informal setting where you can come and invest time in networking, marketing your business products and/or services, and increase your referral base!
The program includes 60-second self-introductions for all members, one 12-minute showcase, leads & testimonials, and general Chamber announcements.
No RSVP is required and non-members are allowed to attend up to 2 BYB meetings before joining Chamber membership.
Every Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PDT
805-925-2403 ext.814
Send Email
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EconAlliance Healthcare Forum
The EconAlliance Healthcare Forum will take place on July 18 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. The focus is "AI and the Healthcare Workforce" with two distinguished keynote presenters plus panel discussion and EconAlliance Briefing: Northern Santa Barbara County Healthcare Workforce Needs Assessment.
Click here for more information
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Mixer
July Mixer hosted by KIA of Santa Maria & Altrusa of Golden Valley that includes networking, raffles, food, and drink at a great local Chamber Member business.
Chamber Mixers are free to attend and open to the public.
Click here for more information
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Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce Business-2-Business (B2B) Networking Breakfast
July 25, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
This event offers you the opportunity to hear from the featured sponsor and networking opportunities. Share a brief 20-second commercial with the group, and receive the hot-sheet, our attendee list, after the event.
Secure your spot on the hot sheet by registering by Thursday at 5 PM the week before the event. Don’t miss out on this invaluable networking opportunity!
Registration Link
Contact
Berlin Garcia
Berlin@sbscchamber.com
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Santa Maria Valley Chamber Hispanic Business Group "Grow Your Business"
August 1 event will be on financial literacy. featuring Marisol Cruz, Senior Vice President and Loan Administrator from Community Bank of Santa Maria. Marisol will discuss the importance of financial literacy and provide valuable insights on accessing capital. She will cover essential steps for new and young businesses to qualify for and utilize funding sources effectively.
Additionally, Joaquin Vargas from America's Job Center of California (AJCC) will be the business spotlight presenter. He will explain how his organization can assist your business with employee needs and training.
This event is free and open to the community.
Click here for more information
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State of the County
Hear presentations and a special update from:
- Mona Miyasato of the Santa Barbara County Executive Office
- Peter Rupert, Director of the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project
- Steve Lavagnino, Fifth District Supervisor and Chair
Registration Link
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DATE CHANGE Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber TechTopia Summit
The Chamber is thrilled to bring back our TechTopia Summit, amplifying and celebrating our vast high-tech community from Goleta to Carpinteria. This year's event will take place on campus at UC Santa Barbara and will feature a rotating tour of the AlloSphere, California NanoSystems Institute and UCSB Nanofabrication Facility. The event will end with a wine and cheese reception featuring a panel of speakers who will be telling the stories behind local tech companies, highlighting their advanced technology, and discussing barriers to economic growth of the industry.
Event has been changed to August 29, 3-6 PM at UCSB.
Registration Info
Contact Name: Chelsea Weininger
Contact Email: chelsea@bscchamber.com
Registration Link
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RESOURCES FOR JOB SEEKERS & COMMUNITY | |
July 17 Business Spotlight on Care Connection the SM AJCC
Attend the Business Spotlight at the America's Job Center of California (AJCC) in Santa Maria to find out more about Care Connection and the positions they have available.
Click here for PDF copy
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Events for Veterans and Their Families | |
Workforce and Career Preparation at Allan Hancock College
One-day courses available! In completing these courses, participants will have the opportunity to work towards a certificate in Workforce and Career Preparation from Allen Hancock College.
Register now to avoid missing this opportunity!
Visit for more information
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Semiconductor Training
Are interested in working in the local Semiconductor Industry or have a client who might be interested? The bi-annual Semiconductor Technician training is being offered for 1-week August 12th-16th. No previous experience required! This training is a bridge into this high-pay, high-professional-growth, hi-tech local industry. Contact Ben Werner benwerner@ucsb.edu for more information.
Click here to open PDF
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Santa Barbara County
America's Job Center of California
July 2024 Activity Calendar
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The Santa Barbara County America's Job Center of California (AJCC) is a hub of opportunities and resources for job seekers and employers alike.
This month's schedule showcases a range of activities, including program orientations, resume writing workshops, and interview skills sessions.
SBC AJCC provides comprehensive support, skill-building, and employment services to the community, tailored to meet diverse needs in a dynamic job market.
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ABOUT THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
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The SBCWDB is a public/private partnership created by the Federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act and is staffed by the County of Santa Barbara.
Job seekers and businesses can take advantage of free services at two America's Job Centers of California (formerly called the Workforce Resource Centers or “One-Stops”) to help find work or new employees. Programs include employment services for job seekers, the latest labor market information, and regional workforce research for businesses, as well as training that specializes in helping people gain the skills and confidence necessary to find and obtain a job.
The America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) are open
Monday - Friday
from 8 AM - 5 PM
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805.614.1550
1410 S. Broadway in Santa Maria
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805.568.1296
130 E. Ortega Street in Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara County Industry Clusters of Opportunity (designated by SBCWDB): | |
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Healthcare
Energy and Environment
Building and Design
Aerospace and Defense
Biotechnology and Related Devices
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Information and Communication Technologies
Business Services
Food, Beverage and Agriculture
Tourism & Hospitality
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Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board
130 E. Ortega Street | Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | 805.681.4453 | FAX 805.884.6811
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Luis F. Servin,
Executive Director
805.614.1543
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Alma Janabajab,
Business Services Strategist
805.884.6812
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If you would like to include an article and/or job flyer for upcoming newsletters, submissions MUST be submitted by email to Alma Janabajab, Business Services Strategist at alma@sbcwdb.org by the last Wednesday of the month. Any PDF format must be less than 5 MB. Any workforce-related article must be 300 words or less and include photos or graphics under 5 MB. | |
Stay updated! Follow us on social media! | |
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WIOA Title 1 financial assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program.
Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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