SAVE-THE-DATE:
2019 NORCAL CAREER FAIR
It’s time to Save-the-Date for one of the largest Career Fairs in the North Bay! The Workforce Development Board of Solano County will host over 80 employers offering immediate openings in the region. 

Mark your calendars and be sure not to miss this opportunity to engage with some of the region’s top employers! Remember to dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, and be prepared for on-site interviews!! 

For more information be sure to visit http://solanoemployment.org/ 
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR COMMENT:
WIOA LOCAL PLAN
The WDB is seeking public comments on their two year modifications to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Local Plan. The public comment period is from Friday, February 1st, 2019 through 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 4th, 2019. The WIOA Local Plan is effective from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2021.

The draft WIOA Local Plan and attachments have been posted on the WDB’s website at: www.solanoemployment.org and can be accessed by clicking on WIOA Guidance under the ‘About’ tab on the home page. The WIOA Local Plan is due to the California Workforce Development Board by March 15, 2019.

Please send any comments on the Draft WIOA Local Plan to Brian Hooker at bhooker@solanowdb.org no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 4th. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Hooker at 707-863-3588 or via email.
TAX TIME:
RESOURCES FOR FILING TAXES
As Tax Season approaches here are some free resources to help you prepare for filing:

The EKS campaign is hosted by the United Way Bay Area to provide free tax preparation to households earning less than $54,000 a year. Partners include the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), churches, nonprofits, AARP, and other organizations. Find a location near your (click here). 

AARP offers free tax preparation help to anyone 50 and older who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Find a location near you ( click here). Note site is open annually from late January/early February to April 15

VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Find a location near you ( click here). 
OSHA SAFETY TRAINING RECAP OF 2018
Pathway To Success (PTS) is a job-readiness program offered at the WDB for CalWORKs clients referred by Health & Social Services. During the two-week facilitated workshop, clients learn lifelong skills in job searching and workplace success. Dedicated staff members offer assistance, coaching and support throughout the process to ensure clients find the best job and successfully advance in their careers. 
Moses came to the PTS program, with an open mind. Not only was he new to the program, but he, his wife and daughter were new to the United States. He figured the program would be good way to learn about American culture in California and the U.S. as a whole.

“The one thing I learned during my time at the Pathway to Success program was, we all go through different/unexpected/difficult periods in our lives no matter who we are. What matters is we need to use these periods to reflect and pick ourselves up or we will continue to feel pity about the situation. I met colleagues who were determined to keep pushing forward and were full of hope. The barriers I was facing when I began were that of a cultural difference and having to start over despite the career advancement I had made in Kenya. I quickly realized that I couldn’t get back to the same career I had before until I took some extra classes here. I moved past the above circumstances by accepting that it was okay to lower my expectations at present but maintain focus on my long-term goals. The county and WDB were gracious enough to help with tuition for a Project Management Certificate at CSUS and I hope to graduate by March 2019. I expect to be challenged by my new job to learn something new every day, give my best and eventually move along the career ladder.
 
I would like to thank the PTS facilitators, for always being resourceful and genuinely working to advance the strengths of each participant. I would like to thank the WDB’s Employability Specialists for helping out with enrollment at CSU. Thank you all for making my journey of integration into the United States enjoyable and easier. My family and I wish you all the blessings and success as you continue changing the lives of other individuals out there.”

Moses is still working for the United States Postal Service and doing very well in his classes at CSUS. We are all very proud of Moses and wish him continued success in his endeavors.
DATA SPOTLIGHT: 
OCCUPATION DIVERSITY IN SOLANO
PROGRAMS & TRAININGS:
JOB SEEKERS
Forklift Safety Training & Certification 
February 8th, 2019| 9:00am – 1:00pm
Regional Education Center (436 Del Sur Street, Vallejo)
Hosted by the Regional Education Center (Vallejo Adult School) and Solano Employment Connection. The instruction is offered with Safe-Lift out of Napa, and will cost $75 per student. The class is OSHA certified and does not require a driver’s license, each person that completes the 4 hour class will receive a blank forklift safety card to take to their next employer. Reservations are required. Attendees may qualify for no fees, leave only one message: (707) 863-3598. 

10-HR OSHA Construction Safety Course 
February 19th – 20th, 2019
Solano Employment Connection (320 Campus Lane, Fairfield)
Many jurisdictions require construction workers to take this course. It covers OSHA standards, electrical safety, fall protection and other topics chosen to match the training needs and job tasks of the workers attending the course. Upon successful completion of this course, each worker receives an "OSHA 10-Hour Card" that certifies that the worker has completed this course. To register visit: http://www.teamsterworkertrainingprogram.org/Verification.asp?ClassID=28416

15-Hr OSHA Disaster Site Worker Course
February 21st – 22nd, 2019
Vallejo Regional Education Center (436 Del Sur Street, Vallejo)
The Disaster Site Worker Outreach Training Program is a training program for Disaster Site Workers who provide skilled support services, (e.g. utility, demolition, debris removal, or heavy equipment operation) or site clean-up services in response to natural and man-made disasters. Specifically, it is recognized that all workers at disaster sites need to be aware of the differences between disaster sites and regular construction or demolition worksites and be able to inspect, don, and doff air-purifying respirators. Also, the program will make management and labor aware that pre-incident training is essential for ensuring disaster site worker safety and health.

For full calendar of classes, workshops, and networking events offered through the WDB visit: http://solanoemployment.org/calendar
60 VALENTINE'S DAY DESSERTS THAT ARE BETTER THAN A DOZEN ROSES
If Ina, Chrissy, and Joanna have taught us one thing, it's that the best way to say I love you is with dessert. These cakes, cookies, brownies, and more will warm the heart of your mom, friends, partner, kids...whoever needs something sweet come February 14.
ABOUT US
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Solano County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides employment-related services for job seekers and businesses in Solano County.

The WDB oversees federally-funded workforce services through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 on behalf of Solano County. Services include the American Job Center of California System, called the Solano Employment Connection in Solano County, and intensive programs to support the talent development of the county.

This work includes planning and policy development, and alignment of workforce services in partnership with businesses to develop an integrated, responsive, and robust workforce system that meets the needs of both businesses and job seekers.
Workforce Development Board of Solano County | 707-863-3500
320 Campus Lane, Fairfield, CA 94534
Newsletter Production By Upward Trend