19D - WORKFORCE PLAN 2017-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dislocated Worker programs administered by the AJCCs and /or they can be referred to the Center for Employment Training (CET). CET has a proven track record of excellence over decades of partnering with the farmworker community in the OC Region. Programs in vocational training, ESL, and GED preparation emphasize the development of locally marketable skills with a philosophy of educating the whole person, maximizing self - sufficiency, and decreasing dependency on other direct aid programs. They also offer referrals for child care while parents are working, supportive services for food and health care, legal services, and immigration and citizenship guidance. In Southern California, CET serves Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, 3Dviii. Regional Sector Pathways On-Ramp DECLARATION: The WIOA emphasizes the use of career pathways and sector partnerships to promote employment in in- demand industries and occupations. The four core programs of the WIOA must work well together In order to form a well - rounded and effective workforce system. The local boards are actively enhancing communication, coordination, and collaboration among employers, education, economic development entities and service providers to ensure activities meet the needs of businesses and support economic vitality and growth in the region. STRATEGY: The primary focus of regional sector pathways is to enable the workforce system and its partners to identify and address the needs of multiple employers In the industry. Such needs may include addressing gaps In the content or availability of training, support for developing pipelines of future job candidates and assistance with current recruitment needs. Orange County's current local plan describes strategies for developing and maintaining business partnerships. Marketing of business services should be built around those issues that employers identify as the most Important and/or meaningful. The local boards have identified sectors with the greatest potential to stimulate job growth and economic prosperity, creating opportunities for current and future workers. The local boards promote the development of partnerships among key stakeholders in the following Industry clusters: Business and Professional Services, Energy, Environment, and Green Technologies, FIRE (finance, Insurance, Real Estate), Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, Logistics and Transportation, Manufacturing Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology / Nanotechnology and Hospitality and Tourism. The AJCC is the conduit for connecting job seekers to businesses and therefore a natural on -ramp for regional sector pathways. WIOA recognizes the employer as an equal customer to the job seeker and worker. WIOA seeks to support economic growth and business expansion by ensuring the workforce system is job- driven: matching skilled individuals to employment opportunities with local businesses, principally in demand sectors. WIOA emphasizes the provision of training resulting In the attainment of postsecondary credentials that Include industry- recognized certifcates or certifications. WIOA seeks to Increase the use of employment -based training by increasing the reimbursement rate to employers for on- the -job training and for customized training. WIOA provides local boards the opportunity to implement incumbent worker training programs using up to 20% of their Adult and Dislocated Worker program funds, Employers are more likely to use the system to meet their workforce needs and offer opportunities for workers to learn given these increased reimbursement rates. When AJCC staff meet with job seekers, a long -term job plan is explored that may include several steps such as a "starter" credential, job placement to gain experience and eventually an additional credential. AJCC staff also assist businesses with LMI information, on -site recruitments and access to interviewing facilities and regional job fairs. WIOA allocates resources so that AJCC staff can actively participate in trade shows, conferences, forums, expos, networking functions and meetings. Orange County's outreach plan is continually updated and evaluated based on the changes within the local Orange County market place, such as business closures, new employment opportunities, new research and development, and the needs of the local business community. Resources are focused to where the greatest economic impact can be gained and measured. While training funds will often only cover the initial credential, helping place job seekers on the career pathways that have potential for growth will lead to better success for them and for employers in their industryloccupation. As appropriate, co- enrollment in programs is utilized to leverage available resources and to maximize services that can be offered. Traditional classroom training as well as work -based training along with supportive services for items such as mileage reimbursement to and from school, uniforms /work clothing and books are also provided. Case management and career advising is geared towards long -term career growth and not focused solely on placing job seekers into immediate jobs with limited wage and advancement potential. The work and close partnership with employers will lend itself to discussions on the actual skills needed for the industry and /or occupation. Strong relationships with Adult Education and the local community colleges and flexible trainers are critical to the system so that curricula can be created based on feedback from employers. 19D -77 CC Local Plan