Collaborations Between Workforce Boards

Community Challenge/Problem

In a report titled "Innovative Collaborations between Workforce Boards and Employers Helped Meet Local Needs," the U.S. GAO referenced 14 local initiatives. Two of the initiatives included San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board's successful collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc. and its Rapid Response Layoff Aversion program.

"Our Workforce Investment Board was able to quickly and effectively take action when our region was hit with business closures and lay-offs that affected thousands of residents in San Bernardino County," Harmsen said. "We knew which industries would need workers in the long-term."

Board Solution/Innovation

In 2011, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board's Business Resource Team performed 27 Rapid Response visits to companies that were laying off employees. More than 1,900 dislocated workers were assisted through Rapid Response which included workshops on understanding unemployment plans, rolling over 401K plans and Cobra benefits. These residents were also introduced to the local Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) for free workshops on job searching, resume writing and interview skills, as well as how they could qualify for no-cost job training programs and job placement support.

Outcomes & Results

Last year, 3,370 San Bernardino County residents were trained using Workforce Investment Act funds to enter long-term careers in growth industries.

"The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board can contribute much to the national conversation on how to put America back to work," said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.

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