For the second consecutive year, the Ventura County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) exceeded State designated performance levels for Workforce Investment Act programs. The Ventura County WIB was one of four WIBs out of 50 in the state to surpass all performance measure levels that were set for Program Year 2006-2007. The report was released in January by the California Employment Development Department.

"Each year, more than 45,000 residents use services provided by WIB-supported Job & Career Centers (JCCs). They receive career training, attend job skills classes, use our banks of computers for preparing and submitting resumes or to search our job listings," says Cheryl Moore, Executive Director of the Ventura County WIB. "The state performance levels specifically gauge the success of our career training services."

The JCCs have a limited number of funds available each year for career training. Adult job seekers must apply and go through an interview process. Those selected obtain funding (up to $6,500 per person) for training. "This is not an entitlement program," says Moore. "Job seekers must show they are willing to take on the training that will help them succeed in their chosen careers." Classes are taken through local community colleges, university extensions, trade schools and adult education programs.

Two hundred seventy people completed Workforce Investment Act programs in Ventura County in Program Year 2006-2007. Adult participants enrolled in training are required to receive a technical occupational certificate. The goal is for the participant to secure a job with a higher income than previous jobs and have the skills to grow in a career. Of those adults completing the program by March, 2006, 92.2 percent met the requirements and were still employed nine months after they exited their WIA program.



Dislocated workers, those who have been laid off or became out of work because of a company closure, are often retrained for another industry through the JCCs. Ninety-seven percent of these job seekers who completed training found jobs and were still working nine months later.

A clerical worker who had spent 14 years at Technicolor DVD in Camarillo was one of almost 800 workers laid off from the company. He turned to a Job & Career Center for assistance. With financial aid from WIB, he enrolled in an information technology technician course through the Conejo Valley Adult School. After completing the course and receiving several IT certifications, the Job & Career Center was able to match him with a new employer. His starting wage was $1 more an hour than his wage at Technicolor.

"Whether someone dreams of a career in technology, nursing or other vocation, business, or manufacturing, JCC staff is there to support and encourage throughout training and post training," says Moore. "The hard work on the part of job seekers and our JCC staff is paying off."

The eight Job & Career Centers and satellite offices in Ventura County host approximately 180 career workshops and 150 recruitment sessions and job fairs annually. All center services are provided at no cost to job seekers and employers.



For information on Ventura County Job & Career Centers, call 800-500-7705 or visit www.venturacountyjcc.org.