Building Union Career Pathways Through the DOGWF–LIUNA Local 324 Cohort

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC), through the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund (DOGWF), has launched a new training cohort in partnership with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) and Laborers’ Local 324. This cohort represents a strategic investment in union career pathways that allow participants to build on their existing skills while remaining within the same union.

The cohort was specifically designed for DOGWF participants who are current members of LIUNA Local 324. Many displaced oil and gas workers already possess strong foundational skills in safety, industrial operations, and construction-adjacent work. This six-week training program helps participants translate those skills into new, in-demand construction and infrastructure roles without requiring them to leave their union or start over in a non-union environment.

Delivered at Local 324’s training facilities, the program focuses on skill enhancement, work readiness, and industry-recognized credentials that align with union standards and employer demand. Over the course of six weeks, participants receive hands-on instruction that strengthens their employability across multiple construction and general labor classifications.

Upon successful completion of the training, participants become eligible to apply for job opportunities through the Construction and General Laborers Union hiring list. This direct connection to union job placement expands access to work opportunities while preserving seniority, benefits, and long-term career stability within LIUNA.

This cohort reflects the broader DOGWF goal of supporting equitable, high-road transitions for displaced workers by leveraging strong labor partnerships. By working directly with LIUNA and Local 324, WDBCCC is ensuring that participants can move into new employment opportunities that are unionized, family-sustaining, and aligned with regional workforce demand.

As additional cohorts are launched, this partnership continues to demonstrate how workforce development and labor organizations can work together to create clear, worker-centered pathways into quality jobs—without leaving the union behind.

Learn more about the DOGWF grant program: https://www.wdbccc.com/displaced-oil-gas-workers/