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Workforce Development Month:
Contra Costa County Recognizes the People Behind Workforce Success
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September is Workforce Development Month—a time to recognize the professionals, organizations, employers, educators, and community partners who help residents prepare for careers and support the growth of local businesses.
On September 8, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will officially proclaim September 2026 as Workforce Development Month and recognize the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) for its leadership and commitment to building an innovative, responsive, and equitable workforce system.
This recognition highlights the collective efforts of workforce professionals and partners who connect residents with career coaching, education, skills training, apprenticeships, supportive services, and employment opportunities.
The Board of Supervisors’ proclamation recognizes that these outcomes are driven by people—dedicated workforce professionals and partners working every day to remove employment barriers, help businesses find skilled talent, and connect residents with pathways to economic mobility.
Throughout Workforce Development Month, WDBCCC proudly celebrates its staff, Board members, service providers, employers, educators, labor organizations, and community partners for their ongoing dedication. We look forward to upcoming events that showcase our collective efforts in building a stronger workforce and a stronger Contra Costa County.
| | California Invests $48.5 Million in Regional Innovation and Workforce Growth | |
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a $48.5 million investment through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative to support 18 projects across eight economic regions and 33 counties, aimed at creating approximately 20,000 jobs in key industries.
A total of $8.236 million will support three connected projects designed to strengthen the Bay Area’s shipbuilding, maritime and advanced manufacturing network:
- $4.37 million for Cal Poly Maritime Academy to develop a Maritime Innovation Campus on Mare Island for research and technology commercialization.
- $1.45 million for a Workforce Integration Network to connect career and technical education, higher education and hands-on training with maritime career opportunities.
- $2.42 million for the Solano Economic Development Corporation to lead a Bay Area Maritime Ecosystem Backbone Organization, coordinating employers, education providers, government agencies and workforce partners across Solano, Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
These initiatives will help create an integrated talent pipeline for maritime and advanced manufacturing jobs, positioning the Bay Area to attract future investments.
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County has already helped advance this work through its participation in the Working Waterfront Coalition, an industry-led partnership focused on building a pipeline of qualified ship maintenance and repair workers. This regional foundation can help ensure that new investment translates into accessible training and good-paying careers for East Bay residents.
| | West County Business Roundtable | | |
Take your business to the next level at the West County Business Roundtable on Tuesday, September 22!
This free event brings together local partners and business support organizations to help West Contra Costa businesses connect with valuable resources, tools, and opportunities—many available at no cost.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Berkeley Country Club
7901 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito, CA
| | | Looking to Transition from the Oil & Gas Industry? Your Next Career Opportunity Starts Here! | | |
If your job has been affected by the oil and gas industry, the State of California has a new fund that may help you with no-cost support, training, and the path to your next high-wage career.
This program is open to California oil and gas industry workers. If you have experience in the industry or worked for a contractor serving refineries and related facilities you may qualify to take your experience into another industry!
| | | Registration Now Open for the 2026 Youth Summit | | |
Students in grades 6-12 throughout Contra Costa County are invited to join District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston at her 2026 Youth Summit on Saturday, September 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Los Medanos College! This year’s event will be bigger, more interactive, and packed with even more opportunities for students to learn, connect, and have fun.
New this year is an expanded 90-minute Lunch and Youth Innovation Fest! Students will have more time to enjoy lunch, meet community partners, explore college and career pathways, participate in hands-on activities, and connect with fellow students in a fun and welcoming environment.
Whether you are exploring your future, discovering your voice, developing new skills, or simply looking for an unforgettable day with other students, we hope you will join this free, high-energy event.
| | Bay Area Manufacturing Conference: Driving Innovation and Collaboration for Workforce Development | | |
WDB staff attended the Bay Area Manufacturing Conference, hosted by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, on Thursday, August 27th.
This exceptional event brought together leaders in manufacturing, economics, education, labor, and workforce development from across the Bay Area to discuss the trends shaping the region's future.
| With over 230 attendees and more than a dozen speakers and panelists, including EASTBAYWorks' own Michael Katz and Claire Michaels, these leaders and drivers of change discussed solutions to the challenges businesses face, the future of manufacturing in the region, and various other pressing topics in workforce development. | | | WDB Experiences Great Attendance at the 2026 Central County Career & Resource Fair! | | |
The 2026 Central Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Mt. Diablo Adult Education / Loma Vista Adult Center in Concord.
The event was a tremendous success, attracting a large number of job seekers, employers, and community partners from across the region.
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See how the CCWORKS Subsidized Employment Program helps Contra Costa County residents gain valuable work experience, overcome employment barriers, and build pathways toward long-term employment and self-sufficiency.
Read Theresa Bradshaw’s story and learn how strong employer partnerships can make a lasting impact.
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*Youth Committee: Wednesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
*Business & Economic Development Committee: Wednesday, November 18, 12:00 p.m - 1:30 p.m.
*Full Board: Wednesday, December 16, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
| | Jobseeker Events in September | | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in June 2026. That's up from a revised 4.0 percent in May 2026. 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. | | | | |
