Workforce Development Month: Honoring 20 Years of Growth and Community Impact

September is Workforce Development Month — a nationwide celebration recognizing the people, programs, and partnerships that connect jobseekers to careers and strengthen local economies.

Now in its 20th year, the celebration is a meaningful time to reflect on the impact of workforce programs in Contra Costa County.

In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) served more than 3,200 businesses and nearly 9,000 individuals through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.

WDBCCC's Board of Supervisors will officially proclaim September 2025 as Workforce Development Month in Contra Costa County on September 9th, underscoring the vital role workforce professionals play in driving opportunity, innovation, and economic growth for our region.

We've Moved!

WDBCCC has a new office space — please make note of our updated suite number and phone number for future visits and communications.

New Address: 4071 Post Chicago Hwy, Suite 200, Concord, CA, 94520

New Phone Number: (925) 655-3800

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

CEDAP Showcased at Cal State LA STEM Expo

WDBCCC's Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticehsip Pathway (CEDAP), a five-year program launched this summer at Contra Costa College, is part of a growing statewide effort to expand access to engineering careers.

Our team joined Cal State LA’s STEM Expo this month, highlighting how CEDAP builds on Growth Sector's successful model in East Los Angeles while connecting East Bay students with regional apprenticeship and internship opportunities.

This broader effort is helping to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of future engineers across California.

Manufacturing Day 2025

Manufacturing (MFG) Day 2025 will be held on Friday, October 3, but celebrated throughout the month of October. Manufacturers are encouraged to open their doors to students, parents, educators, and community leaders.

Visit www.mfgday.com for resources to host an event.

Project MFG 2025 Competitions

Project MFG is a national competition series designed to spotlight advanced manufacturing skills, such as machining, welding, and additive manufacturing. Students from high schools, community colleges, and universities compete locally, with winners advancing to regional and national levels.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Advanced Manufacturing Team Challenge, Machining League, and Welding League.

Round 1 begins Tuesday, October 14, with top prizes of $100,000 for teams and $10,000 for individual competitors.

Upcoming Board Meetings

*Executive Committee: Wednesday, October 8, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*Full Board: Tuesday, November 4, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*Youth Committee: Wednesday, November 19, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*Business & Economic Development Committee: TBD

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Jobseeker Events in September

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:

*BMO Bank Small Business Workshop: Wednesday, September 10, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*No-Cost Opportunity Junction Information Session: Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

*Shelter Inc. Job Search Strategies Workshop: Tuesday, September 16, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

*Westmed Ambulance Service Scholarship Information Session: Thursday, September 25, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Labor Market Update

Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in July 2025. That's up from a revised 5.1 percent in June 2025. Read the most recent State Labor Report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division.

Stay In the Know

Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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