Bringing People & Opportunities Together
Veterans: We’re at Your Service!
Ventura County is fortunate to have Naval Base Ventura County as such an economic powerhouse for the region and equally blessed to have so many veterans choose to stay in the region after their years of service. We want these men and women to have every opportunity to translate their military experience and skills into the private sector. Captain Kirk Lagerquist , Chief Staff Officer, Naval Base Ventura County and WDB Member and Norman Albances , WDB Administration Manager, joined KVTA host Tom Spence to talk about the resources available for Veterans to start a new career in Ventura County. 

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO DECEMBER’S WORKFORCE WEDNESDAY INTERVIEW

National Apprenticeship Week
On Thursday, November 14th, 2019, organizations with apprenticeship programs participated in the Oxnard America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) inaugural celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Jobseekers, community-based organizations, and AJCC staff were invited to learn more about the apprenticeship opportunities available. Participating organizations included; Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local Union 585, Operating Engineers Training Trust of Southern California Local 12, and the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local 805. All three organizations are currently taking apprenticeship position applications. The WDB will continue to seek opportunities to expand knowledge of the “learn and earn” opportunities in the local job market.

CLICK HERE for more information about National Apprenticeship Week.

WDB Sets Priority Goals
At the annual planning meeting in October 2019, WDB members established Priority Goals in alignment with our WIOA Local and Regional Plan.

Priority Goals include:

  • Create a Performance Dashboard
  • Develop a Regional Work-Based Learning Strategy
  • Align Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs with Industry Needs
  • Analyze WDBVC Board Governance and Legal Structures

CLICK HERE to view the complete strategic plan.

English Language Learner Focus
The WDB participated in the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) English Language Learner Convening on November 21, 2019, in Sacramento. Administration Manager Norman Albances was part of a lunch panel on behalf of the WDB. During his time in Orange County, Norman successfully administered the first English Language Learner Co-Enrollment pilot. During the panel, he provided information regarding best practices and presented initiatives that the WDB is spearheading, such as the Ventura Region Roundtable for Workforce Development and Human-Centered Design.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the CWDB’s English Language Learners Initiatives.

Committee Focus: Conejo Trophy Clean & Green Business as Usual
Member Recognition and Staff Retirement
Mary Navarro-Aldana , Field Office Manager EDD, was recognized for her 14 years of dedication and service with the Youth Services and Programs Committee at a recent meeting by WDB Programs Committee Chair, Tony Skinner , President IBEW Local 952.

WDB staff member, Patrick Newburn is retiring from the Human Services Agency (HSA), County of Ventura in January 2020. Patrick served the County for ten years and during his last four years, functioned as Administration Manager with the WDB. His first six years were spent with the HSA as WIOA/WIA Account Executive Lead in the Career Services unit of the Adult and Family Services Department. Happy retirement, Patrick!

Workforce Wednesday
Tune in to Tom Spence on KVTA 1590-AM for the next Workforce Wednesday, January 22, at 8:30 AM
Topic: Benefits of Hiring Older Workers

Connect Ventura County
Worth The Read
The Workforce Development Board administers federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act funds that help to support America’s Job Center of California locations and other free adult, youth and employer programs and services in Ventura County.
Created in partnership with theAgency .

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