Developing a Quality Workforce

July 2018

Vol II, Issue 3
Local Business Spotlight
U.S. Rack is a small business that manufactures the largest variety of distinct pickup truck rack designs anywhere and leads the market with quality, innovative, multi-functional pickup racks that install quickly with no drilling.

U.S. Rack began, as so many businesses have, in a garage in the Silicon Valley. After taking a large welded rack off his pickup, Chris Green had two problems: (1) a sore back and (2) no place to store the bulky rack. He exclaimed to his wife, Stephanie, “There ought to be a rack that clamps onto a truck and stores easily when you don’t need it.” Out of that insight grew the U.S. Rack business.

Determined to make sure that his designs were sturdy and safe, Chris initially worked with a university engineering department and later with an independent engineering lab to load-test components and products. In 2000, he set up a small shop to manufacture the first production racks and in 2003 built the larger Madera, CA manufacturing plant.

U.S. Rack is still a small business but now manufactures the largest variety of distinct pickup truck rack designs anywhere and leads the market with quality, innovative, multi-functional pickup racks that install quickly with no drilling.

The Workforce Development Board of Madera County has provided a variety of services to US Rack, from developing On-the-Job Training agreements to referring qualified candidates.
Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attack
As a small-business owner, it's up to you to avoid scams, protect your computer and networks, and keep data safe.

Here are 10 Digital best practices to protect your small business from cyber attack.

Business 30-Second Training Series and Resource Guide
The Business 30-Second Training Series and complementary Business Resource Guide were developed with a business focus and designed to educate businesses, hiring managers and supervisors about proven strategies and easy-to-use resources that can assist in retaining and accommodating existing employees who experience onset of a disability.

Unemployment Rate
June 2018

Madera County  ..............................................................................  7.4%
Central Valley *(Avg.)  ................................................................  7.9%   
California  ............................................................................................  4.5%
US  ......................................................................................................... ... .  4.2%

The unemployment rate in the Madera County was 7.4 percent in June 2018, up from a revised 6.5 percent in May 2018, and below the year-ago estimate of 7.9 percent. This compares with an unadjusted unemployment rate of 4.5 percent for California and 4.2 percent for the nation during the same period.    

*Central Valley counties include: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare.


Source: EDD July 2018 release of the Madera Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
Training Programs
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a great program that enables businesses to hire employees and receive a reimbursement for a portion of the participant's wages.
During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, our program provided local employers a savings of $57,160.

The Paid Work Experience (PWEX) program is a temporary work placement activity for out of school young adults, ages 18-24 years of age. Placement can be at a public, private or non-profit organization.
Paid Work Experience provides individuals with an opportunity to gain on-the-job knowledge, hands on experience and technical skills. Through this placement, individuals develop positive work habits and attitudes and the ability to work cooperatively as a team member. It also helps individuals to focus on a specific career path that may someday lead to a permanent job. During the 2017-2018 fiscal year $44,639 were invested in the PWEX program.
No Cost HR Hotline
The Workforce Development Board of Madera County and Sierra HR Partners have partnered to provide you with expert Human Resources information. The Madera County HR hotline is designed to handle questions from employers regarding Human Resources issues such as:
  • ADA and other accommodations in the workplace
  • Hiring and Firing Do’s and Don’ts
  • Paid Sick Leave Laws
  • Wage and Hour Laws
  • Employee Handbook Policies
  • And More... 
 
Hotline hours
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm



Servicio en Español disponible
Customer Service Agent
questions answers ask the right question and get an answer help or support desk solve problems and find solutions road sign 3D illustration
Top Industries Sectors in Madera County
Agriculture - employs 2780 - average salary (2017) $29,819
Hospitality - employs 1975 - average salary (2017) $24,203
Health Care - employs 8704 - average salary (2017) $39,301
Public Admin/Education Services - employs 10,180 - average salary (2017) $53,153
Manufacturing - employs 4779 - average salary (2017) $43,324

Data Source: Dun & Bradstreet
Employers Wanted
Interested in helping the Community Corrections Transitional Program participants sharpen their employment skills?     
The Mock Interview Day experience will help the CCTP participants to better understand the process of interviewing and applying their skills to a job. The participants will spend approximately fifteen minutes being interviewed by one of the many volunteers. Following the exercise, they are provided with immediate verbal feedback from their interviewer. 

Please contact Jorge Espinosa for volunteer requirement information
(559) 662-4540
2037 W. Cleveland Ave - Madera, CA 93637
(559) 662-4500
www.maderaworkforce.org