BUILDING A COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE Strategies, Resources, Skills and Jobs

Civic Alliance Workforce Education CommitteeApril 11, 2011

Alex Rivera, Vice ChairWorkforce Investment Board of Ventura County

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Today

Workforce Issues in Ventura County

ABS Committee Action Plan Outline

Role of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

(WIB) Committee on Applied Basic Skills for Technology-Related Jobs

Next Steps

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Workforce Issues in Ventura County

High level of unemployment

Changing demographics

High cost of living

Shortage of quality jobs

Aging workforce

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Role of Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

Appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to…

Administer federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds in Ventura County

Collaborate with business, economic development, labor, education, and community-based organizations, and government agencies to build a strong workforce in Ventura County

Provide oversight for workforce development programs and services to benefit job seekers, workers, and businesses in Ventura County

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Ventura County will have a strong, relevant workforce that is ready and able to support the changing needs

of employers in a dynamic, competitive, global economic environment.

WIB Vision

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Engage, align, build, and leverage the resources of a collaborative workforce development system

WIB Strategic Direction

Advocate the development of a ready, flexible workforce– Adapts to the changing demand-driven job market– Supports growth of existing businesses– Is a positive marketing tool to attract new businesses

Promote opportunities for training a diverse workforce– Workforce pipelines for allied health and clean/green-related jobs– Development of applied basic skills for technology-related jobs– Support for mid-level wage job seekers– Introduction to careers at an early age

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Committee on Applied BasicSkills for Technology-Related Jobs

Committee Charter

Create a plan to align business leaders in Ventura Countyfor the development of a collaborative workforce pipeline that focuses on applied basic skills

for technology-related jobs

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Action Plan Outline

1. Identify an initial focus that is strategic, business demand-driven, and achievable.

2. Engage business partners in a collaborative initiative.3. Identify technology-related jobs in Ventura County that will

be in high demand with employers, offer a living wage, and provide career path opportunities through 2020 and beyond.

4. Outline a plan for technology-related businesses and providers of applied basic skills education and training to collaborate in the development of a ready, reliable, local talent pool.

5. Provide input to the WIB Resource Planning Committee for the discussion of WIA and non-WIA funding options and strategies.

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Manufacturing

Over 900 manufacturing firms in Ventura County

Skill shortages have a widespread impact on manufacturers abilities to achieve production levels, increase productivity, and meet customer needs

Subsidized, customized training to move current employees to higher-level skills and wages

Step 1: Identify an Initial Focus

Step 2: Engage Business Partners• AeroControlex Group, Talley Actuators Division

• Applied Powder Coating

• AMGEN

• County of Ventura Transportation Department

• Ventura Adult & Continuing Education

• Jaxx Manufacturing

• Kinamed, Inc.

• Rexnord-PSI Bearings

• Tri-Counties Building & Construction Union

• EDC-VC

• Ventura College

• Southern California Edison

• Haas Automation

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Step 3: Identify Technology-Related Jobs

Numerous jobs have been identified which are critical to area manufacturing across various industries and for which skill gaps and worker shortages are evident:

• Assemblers

• Fabricators

• Operators

• Inspectors

• Technicians

• Etc…

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Identifying the applied basic skills needed to be qualified for tech jobs

Exploring resource needs and gaps

Next Steps

Establish an industry-recognized, stackable, portable credential program

“Virtual Academy” for Life and Technical Skills

Outreach strategy to reach kids at a young age to prime them for work readiness/interest in manufacturing careers

Educate employers on importance of human capital investments

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Access www.wib.ventura.org

www.venturacountyjcc.org

Visit Oxnard Santa Paula/Fillmore Simi Valley/Thousand Oaks Ventura

JobLink kiosks at Simi Valley Library and Pacific View Mall, Ventura

For More Information