California Workforce Leaders Tour WDBCCC Programs | | EMT Employs Flipped Classroom and VR Technology | |
CWDB's visit began with a tour of the EMT program at Mt. Diablo Adult Education, where students and instructors demonstrated a successful flipped classroom model where the traditional approach to teaching is reversed. Students engage with new material outside of class through interactive modules, readings, and videos while classroom time focuses on active learning activities such as hands-on training, discussion, problem solving, and virtual reality technology. Student feedback emphasized that the quality of instruction and support solidified the program's impact. The cohort's outcomes are already outperforming statewide benchmarks.
| Maritime Program Brings Shipbuilding Future in Focus | |
CWDB toured the Maritime Skilled Trades Training program at Mare Island, where 50 stakeholders, including employers and union representatives, gathered for a roundtable discussion to address workforce needs in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors. The State representatives emphasized the urgency of streamlining workforce innovation and scaling proven models across California.
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Contra Costa County to Launch Clean Tech Workforce Program
in Partnership with Viridi
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At a visit to Viridi's battery storage facility, CWDB learned about clean technology training and local industry growth. Their Greenforce training model is currently used in Buffalo and will be replicated in Contra Costa County to connect residents with high-growth, clean energy jobs. WDBCCC is working closely with Viridi to link workforce efforts with local infrastructure projects.
From flipped classrooms to clean tech partnerships, WDBCCC highlighted how Contra Costa County is advancing workforce innovation with purpose and impact. CWDB responded positively, recognizing the region's collaborative efforts to build a more inclusive and future-ready economy.
| | Early Childhood Care and Education (ECE): A Cornerstone of the Economy | | |
As a culminating event of a two-day visit from state and local leaders, the WDBCCC hosted a dynamic panel on ECE. Recognized by California Jobs First as a foundational sector for workforce stability and economic growth, ECE providers and partners came together to spotlight the sector's critical role, share pressing challenges, and propose bold solutions.
Key Takeaways:
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The workforce behind the workforce. ECE enables thousands of parents in Contra Costa County to work, keeping hospitals staffed, classrooms filled, and businesses open.
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Retention is critical. With turnover rates as high as 30%, stabilizing and valuing childcare workers is non-negotiable.
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Measure X is making a difference. With more than $6 million invested annually, it strengthens early childhood programs, supports providers, and helps curb costly turnover—protecting both families and the economic health of our region.
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CocoKids Boost program lifts educators. Through wage stipends, training, and peer networks, early educators—especially in underserved communities—are gaining the stability and recognition they deserve.
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First 5 Contra Costa and partners drive inclusion. From expanding access for children with disabilities to building provider capacity, their work ensures every child has a strong start.
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Career pathways matter. The Contra Costa County Office of Education, BAM Consulting, and Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS) are reshaping ECE careers with training, apprenticeships, and business supports that help educators advance.
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The return on investment is clear. UC Berkeley's Labor Center confirms every $1 invested in ECE generates $1.88 in economic output—proof that childcare fuels both families and growth.
With 75,000 children under the age of 5 in Contra Costa County, affordability, accessibility, and availability of childcare remain urgent priorities. Special thanks to First 5 Contra Costa, CocoKids, Contra Costa County Office of Education, BAM Consulting, ECEPTS, and UC Berkeley Labor Center for their leadership in this vital conversation.
| | BAGJPE Welcomes Lieutenant Governor | | |
On September 9, the Bay Area Good Jobs Partnership for Equity (BAGJPE)—a collaboration between regional workforce boards—held a special roundtable discussion with California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis in San Francisco.
The meeting, hosted by Josh Arce and Michael Bernick, brought together workforce leaders from across the region to share local priorities and strategies that are shaping the future of workforce development. Topics included state and regional employment trends, priority industries, and key programs that are creating opportunities for jobseekers and employers alike.
The Lt. Governor emphasized her commitment to working closely with local boards to advance economic development and workforce innovation across California. WDBCCC Director Brown highlighted Contra Costa County's leadership in serving over 11,500 residents annually, investing in priority sectors such as healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, and advancing equity-driven workforce solutions.
This dialogue marked a crucial step in strengthening state-local partnerships and ensuring that the voices of Contra Costa County residents and businesses are represented in shaping California's workforce agenda for 2025-2026 and beyond.
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Tool Up for Manufacturing:
Train-the-Trainer in Collaboration with AMBayArea and EASTBAYWorks
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EASTBAYWorks and AMBayArea have launched a train-the-trainers initiative to promote manufacturing careers through hands-on learning at local businesses.
This summer, the Tool Up for Manufacturing program hosted events at C-Hawk in Hayward and Scandic Springs in San Leandro—two Alameda County manufacturers. About 50 workforce service providers toured the facilities, met with hiring managers and employees, and connected with local college representatives about relevant training programs.
With each staff member supporting around 20 job seekers, these events indirectly reached over 1,000 individuals. The goal is to help career coaches identify transferable skills and guide clients toward manufacturing jobs, such as those of manicurists or motorcycle enthusiasts.
Additional events and externships—where staff shadow workers for one to two days—are planned to further explore manufacturing career pathways.
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NAWDP Academy Highlights Innovation in Employer Engagement | |
Business Services Representatives from across the country convened in Denver for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Business Services Academy The annual event brought together workforce professionals dedicated to enhancing employer engagement and developing innovative strategies to meet the evolving needs of the labor market.
Among the attendees were Anisa Smith and Charles Brown III, Business Services Representatives from WDBCCC. Over the course of three days, they participated in a series of workshops designed to build and strengthen key skills in workforce development.
Notable sessions included:
- Smart Employer Outreach: Using AI to Elevate Business Services
- Registered Apprenticeships: Strategies for Building Robus Talent Pipelines
- Chismecito y Cafecito: Building Trust and Engagement with Hard-to-Reach Employers
These workshops, along with many others, provided attendees with practical tools and insights for improving business outreach, fostering employer partnerships, and expanding access to workforce services. The academy served as a valuable platform for collaboration, professional development and knowledge sharing among workforce professionals committed to supporting businesses and jobseekers nationwide.
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*Executive Committee: Wednesday, October 8, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
*Full Board: Tuesday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Youth Committee: Wednesday, November 19, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.
| | Jobseeker Events in October | | |
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:
*Chase Bank Money Skills Workshop: Thursday, October 9, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*Onsite Recruitment - Dynamic Office and Accounting Solutions: Thursday, October 9, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
*Opportunity Junction Information Session: Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
*Shelter Inc. Employment Workshop: Interview Skills: Tuesday, October 14, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
*Medi-Cal Application Assistance: Wednesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*Medi-Cal Application Assistance: Thursday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
| | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in August 2025. That's down from a revised 5.3 percent in July 2025. 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. | | | | |
