| The
Workforce Development Board (WDB) plays a key role
in helping to strengthen the overall business and
economic vitality of Contra Costa County. The WDB
recognizes that a highly skilled and adaptable workforce
is a necessity in today’s economy. It works closely
with economic development organizations, educational
institutions and other job-training providers to ensure
that the county’s labor force has market-relevant
skills for today and tomorrow. |
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Keeping Businesses Vital and Growing
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The
WDB’s Business Services Committee and Labor
Market Information Division partner coordinate
with businesses, chambers of commerce, community-based
organizations and various educational institutions
to assess |
and
respond quickly to the training needs of county employers.
Matching businesses with training pro-viders is a
critical element of the WDB’s strategy to ensure
that the county has a globally competitive and market-responsive
labor force.
In
today’s rapidly changing economy, both weak and
strong businesses are often forced to reduce the size
of their workforce. The WDB, through early intervention,
assists businesses in avoiding downsizing or closure.
For instance, the WDB sponsors the Contra Costa Outplacement
Transition Team, which delivers confidential, quick
response and assistance with government regulations
to employers and employees facing cutbacks or possible
business closure. Free consultation services that
businesses and other employers receive include:
• Small Business Assistance
• Incumbent Worker Training Information
• Work Share Program
• Information and Referral |
For
more information, about Outplacement Services
please call (925) 671-4542
or email: Coordinator, Sondra Rothwell
rapidresponse@wdbccc.com
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Helping
Businesses and Employees
through Times of Transition
| If
business downsizing or closure is unavoidable,
business and employees will be assisted in quickly
finding quality reemployment. With the assistance
of the Rapid Response Transition team and One
Stop Career Center partners outplacement services
are provided to help workers find jobs before
experiencing unemployment. The Rapid Response
Transition Team pride itself on placing large
numbers of dislocated workers in new jobs before
they are laid off from their old ones. The Team
match downsizing firms with hiring firms in local
area. The US Department of Labor through its Rapid
Response Program funds these services and there
is no cost to businesses. |
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For
dislocated workers or those likely to become dislocated,
free workshops are available covering such topics
as resume preparation, interviewing techniques, unemployment
insurance assistance, job search assistance and labor
market information.
If
additional services beyond onsite services are needed,
employees may be eligible for personalized assistance
through one of four EASTBAY Works One-Stop Business
and Career Centers. Individuals will receive assistance
in:
• Identifying jobs or industries where their
skills can be used
• Job placement and career counseling
• Accessing job training from qualified training
providers to successfully transition to another career
Layoffs due to import competition or a shift in production
outside this country will receive NAFTA Trade Adjustment
Assistance as well as the services previously described. |
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