An entrepreneur’s take on Manufacturing Day |
WDB Board Member Cinnamon Alvarez was a recent guest on the KCAA Radio show, “Uplift San Bernardino,” talking about national Manufacturing Day (October 1). Cinnamon founded the artisanal lighting company A19, using her design skills to create ceramic lighting fixtures that complement modern decor. Cinnamon has also founded an art gallery, run a fitness franchise, and coached others to start their own businesses and generate their own happiness. To hear her interview, click here.
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Economic recovery measured in job creation |
Phil Cothran, Chairman,
San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board
California accounted for 44% of new jobs added across the U.S. in August – great news for our state and our county as we continue to attract new businesses and new career opportunities. One reason for that are efforts at the local level to build a workforce that meets the needs of growing companies.
There certainly are challenges in doing that. Labor shortages are as big of a problem here as they are anywhere else. But through programs such as On-The-Job Training and the support we provide job seekers and employers, the San Bernardino County WDB is helping to drive economic opportunity in one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.
For more information on the services we offer, check out our website, or contact your WDB Business Services specialist. In the meantime, stay up to date with the latest labor market intelligence, each month in this newsletter.
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Latest Labor Market Intelligence Report |
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My first job was delivering The Sun newspaper to over 60 customers in the north end of San Bernardino. I recall being motivated to start working to save money in the bank account my mom had opened for me and to have cash on hand to go to the movies, play pinball, and go bowling. I woke at 5:30 a.m. each day for seven years to ensure all my papers were delivered before 6:30 a.m. Gradually, I increased my route to over 120 customers while also taking on a second job at Montgomery Ward in San Bernardino. Fortunately, I embodied my mom and dad’s work ethic, which helped me succeed in my goals throughout my life.
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Transforming lives through the power of work |
More than 50 jobs were offered on the spot at the recent First District Employment and Expungement Fair at Abundant Living Church in Hesperia.Among the more than 40 businesses on site were Amazon, Arden Companies, Big Lots Distribution, Corky's, HK Logistics, LKQ Corporation, Keurig Dr. Pepper, International Aerospace Coatings, Robertsons Ready Mix and more. San Bernardino County Fire and the Sheriff's Department were also on hand. Check out the video above for more on this excellent program.
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From $100 per week to $52.51 per hour: ‘I’m 30 and never had a career before ... this is great’ |
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Kevin Scales (left) and his Workfor Development Specialist Tamika Tonge |
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When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Kevin Scales couldn’t have imagined being where he is today – fully trained as a hydrovac engineer, earning $52.51 an hour with benefits. Scales had been struggling to make ends meet – in jobs that allowed him to spend time with his kids on the weekend, but netted him $100 per week.
“Things were rough for about two years. I was going through a divorce, and had barely enough for a car payment and insurance,” Scales said.
Enter Tamika Tonge, a San Bernardino County Workforce Development Specialist. With Tonge’s support, Scales completed truck driver training and was hired by a local trucking firm for $19 per hour. He would go on to get his tanker endorsement, and a job at Badger Daylighting for $52.51 per hour.
“Tamika was phenomenal. She helped me all along the way, and was tough on me when I thought I couldn’t do it,” Scales said. “I’m 30 and never had a career before, so this is great.”
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Workforce Stat of the Month |
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WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources available during the pandemic. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates.
Thursday, October 21: Job fair.
Tuesday, October 26: Job fair.
Friday, November 5: Bureau of Labor Statistics releases October U.S. jobs report.
Wednesday, November 10: WDB Executive Committee and General Board meetings.
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For archived videos of our free Business Services webinars, such as this one on strategies for recruiting and retaining employess, click here.
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Click here to catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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