NEW! Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway Initiative

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) announced an award of a $5 million grant from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program. This significant funding, part of the administration’s broader effort to improve job quality and expand access to high-demand careers, will prepare workers for critical infrastructure jobs in civil and transportation engineering.

The WDBCCC’s latest grant will support the Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway (CEDAP), a pioneering initiative aimed at creating a structured educational pathway for entry-level community college students to transition into civil engineering careers.

This innovative program includes pre-apprenticeship activities, paid bridge programs, cohort-based learning communities, wraparound support services, and paid internships, culminating in formal apprenticeships as Engineering Aides. "This initiative is not just ours, it’s a collective effort," said Tamia Brown, executive director of the WDBCCC. "It aligns with our mission to achieve equity in the region and provide sustainable career pathways for our community members, and we are eager to collaborate with our esteemed partners to bring this project to fruition."

The CEDAP partnerships include three major civil engineering employers, two California State Universities, 11 Community Colleges, regional workforce development boards in northern and southern California, a workers voice organization, and two workforce intermediaries, the Institute for American Apprenticeships and Growth Sector.

CEDAP builds on the successful pilot launched in Los Angeles, which has already transitioned low-income community college job seekers to unsubsidized employment with Caltrans as Student Assistants. CEDAP scales the pilot to include Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area with expansion to Contra Costa County. CEDAP targets women, low-income students, and individuals from ethnicities underrepresented in Civil and Transportation Engineering. The project anticipates serving 270 participants.

For more details about the program, contact Yelena Miakinina at ymiakinina@ehsd.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa County Announces Innovation Fund Grant

Contra Costa County is inviting nonprofit tax-exempt community-based organizations to submit innovative project ideas that address local public service needs and promote equitable access.

With up to $2 million in competitive, one-time grants available, projects should focus on areas such as community safety, economic vitality, clean environments, and digital access. Phase 1 will provide $5,000 to up to 10 selected projects to develop comprehensive proposals for Phase 2.

Submit Statements of Qualifications and Concept Papers by 3:00 p.m. on October 7, 2024.

WDBCCC Hosted East Bay Economic Development Director's Council

On September 12, 2024, WDBCCC hosted East Bay EDA's Economic Development Directors’ Council at its Concord office. Key regional leaders gathered to discuss economic growth, workforce development, and strategies for sustainable development. 

The event featured a panel on "Unlocking the Power of Employee Ownership (EO) in the East Bay," led by Laura Flores of Project Equity. The panel highlighted how transitioning businesses to employee-owned models can create more resilient local economies. Additional panelists from the City of Berkeley, Alameda County Workforce Development Board, and Atthowe Fine Art Services shared insights on collaboration between local governments, workforce boards, and economic development organizations to support EO initiatives.

Tamia Brown, WDBCCC's Executive Director, and workforce leaders from Richmond and Oakland discussed current workforce trends, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships to align resources and meet the demands of employers and job seekers.

The event concluded with updates from council members and a tour of WDBCCC’s facilities, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving the region's economic success.

California Battery Manufacturing Summit

What do science, technology, land use, entrepreneurship, and workforce development have in common?

The answer: The future of battery manufacturing in California. 

WDBCCC played a pivotal role at the California Battery Manufacturing Summit, held September 18th and 19th. The event was organized by California's national laboratories—SLAC, Lawrence Berkeley, and Lawrence Livermore—which focus on cutting-edge science and technology in areas like particle physics, energy efficiency, and national security to tackle global challenges. As the world transitions from fossil fuel to clean energy, California is trying to figure out how to become a major manufacturer of batteries and energy storage.

Tamia Brown, WDBCCC's Executive Director, was an advisor, speaker, and moderator at the conference, and Contra Costa County was highlighted as a key location due to our local oil and gas industry. We were excited to see workforce development recognized as a key piece of the conversation about how to make sure that California’s clean energy transition creates good jobs for local residents.

Empowering Workforce Growth: LaTosha Stockholm Joins Results for America's Workforce Fellowship

LaTosha Stockholm, WDBCCC Program Manager, was selected as a Fellow for the Results for America’s (RFA) Workforce Fellowship and just returned from a convening in Washington, DC, where she received training on how to increase quality jobs in her area.

RFA uses peer networking and technical assistance in data analysis to help workforce and economic development professionals to support businesses in expanding job quality beyond wages. Evidence shows that employers offering equitable compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities experience positive business results. LaTosha hopes to develop a project that will benefit the two programs she manages: CCWORKS and the Measure X Youth Centers. LaTosha remarks, “It’s an exciting time for WDBCCC to harness data for impactful change!”

WDBCCC Leadership Attends State

of the County

On September 12, Executive Director Tamia Brown and Administrator Maureen Nelson attended the State of the County presentation delivered by Supervisor Ken Carlson (District IV) at the Concord Plaza Hotel and sponsored by the Concord Chamber. Measure X figured prominently in several of the projects.

Looking to change careers this year? Check out EastBay Works' events, where you can gain certifications and other job-training skills. This month's events include:

* Department of Rehabilitation On-Site: Tues. Oct. 1, Thu. Oct. 10, 17, and 24, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

* WIOA Information Session: Tues. Oct. 8, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

* Keyboarding Certification, Career Assessment and Resume Review: Tues. Oct. 15, 22, and 29, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Stay In-the-Know

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