Applicants up to the age of 21 must be a resident of San Bernardino County and a senior in high school or out of school. The program is designed for at-risk, low-income youth. The youth programs may have additional qualifications and may be contacted for further details.

The WIA youth program is funded by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2012. More than 500 positions are currently open; applicants should visit www.SBCountyJobOps.com to find the local youth program in their community.

An annual tradition, Y4 provides WIA youth participants with high-energy presentations, career building workshops and opportunities to meet with local employers. More than 600 San Bernardino County youth gathered at Citizens Bank Arena to celebrate the completion of program year 2011-2012.

“A year ago, half of my students needed GEDs and only a few had jobs,” said Kristi Evans, youth employment specialist with the Mental Health Systems Needles Center for Change. “Now 90% of them have earned their GEDs and have received certifications. They couldn’t have done it without the support of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s youth job training program.”

Evans left for Ontario at 5:00 a.m. to drive 22 youth to the celebration. She was determined that after all of their hard work and dedication to the WIA youth program, they take part in the celebration.

“This year’s Y4 event was an awesome opportunity to celebrate the year-long commitment made by 665 courageous young men and women, who chose to take charge of their future,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “I was honored to speak to them and share a little bit about my life and my challenges. I wanted them to know that if I can make it, they can too!”

“These young people should be proud of their accomplishments, but the journey has only begun,” added Gonzales. “Hopefully, the resources and motivational speakers at Y4 will help them as they work towards their own personal and professional success.”

The Roadtrip Nation Experience RV was also part of the Y4 celebration. This year, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board partnered with the Roadtrip Nation Experience to provide an intensive curriculum. By giving students the tools to interview and film someone in their career of interest, the Roadtrip Nation Experience empowers students to define their own roads in life; to relate what they study to their real-world experiences; and open doors to different pathways and possibilities.

“Our success is due to the dedication of staff and the youth service providers who implement the Workforce Investment Act program across the county,” said Sandy Harmsen, executive director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “They work with our youth participants daily and devote themselves to help each individual achieve his or her goals.”

Y4 was hosted by County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“Entrepreneurship is a viable career alternative for dislocated workers,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses produced the largest amount of employment in 2010, generating 72.1 percent of net new positions.”

The Workforce Investment Board is partnering with Empact (www.iempact.com) to provide the training necessary to start a business with little start-up capital. Attendees will learn how to develop their business inexpensively while creating enough profit to earn a living wage.

The training requires a one-year commitment. Each participant will receive a full-day of training followed by weekly trainings for the first month, and monthly virtual trainings for the remainder of the year. Each participant will be assigned a mentor to support them throughout the program.

“Entrepreneurship is vital to San Bernardino County’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “I encourage residents who are thinking of starting their own businesses to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn proven, real life tools shared by successful entrepreneurs.”

To apply, San Bernardino County residents may visit one of the three Employment Resource Centers to take the assessment. To find the nearest location, please visit www.sbcstartup.com or call (800) 451-JOBS.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Department of Workforce Development, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Bishamon Industries Corporation faced increased competition with their EZ Loader product, which could have translated to lost sales and lost jobs. With the introduction of the new model, they needed to make sure they could efficiently produce and deliver this product before the competition stepped in.

“The EZ Loader is our premier product and if we lost market share, it would cost us valuable employees,” Stone said.

CMTC came in and showed the company areas of improvement in assembly and welding. Employees were excited to share their ideas and work as a team with the consultant and executives for the good of the entire company.

“We’ve already seen growing sales for our new EZ Loader and the hard work has paid off,” Stone said. “By shipping our product in two days, we will maintain our competitive edge.”

Through the LEAN Manufacturing Program, Bishamon retained 10 jobs. Additionally, Stone also utilized the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Business Resource Team to recruit and hire a shipping supervisor. “They found a great person for us who plays a very important role in satisfying our customers,” Stone said.

“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s LEAN Manufacturing program effectively helps local businesses retain employees and hire additional personnel,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

More information: https://www.csb-win.org/ .

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

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.

Executive Director Sandy Harmsen testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workforce Safety in addressing workforce needs at the regional level.

“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. Through the relationships we established with industry councils, businesses and educational providers we have deployed federal funds to save jobs, train workers with skills needed by employers and encourage hiring.”

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.

“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.

“For instance, the WIB’s collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc., is a great example of how we are working together to prepare a skilled workforce and provide businesses with the manpower needed to grow and diversify. The Technical Employment Training program trains dislocated and disabled workers to attain two National Institute for Metalworking Skills Machining Level 1 certifications. The fact that 90 percent of its first class was placed in jobs with local manufacturers is an awesome success story worth sharing,” added Gonzales.

Last year, 3,370 County residents were trained last year using Workforce Investment Act funds to enter long-term careers in growth industries such as Health Care, Aviation, Transportation and Logistics, Advanced Manufacturing and Environmental Technology.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 created a comprehensive workforce investment system that brought together multiple federally funded employment and training programs into a single system, called the one-stop system.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

By giving students the tools to interview and film someone in their career of interest, the Roadtrip Nation Experience empowers students to define their own roads in life; to make school actually matter by relating what they study to their real-world experiences; and open doors to different pathways and possibilities.

“This is an opportunity for our youth to interview specialists in careers they are interested in and find inspiration, as well as practical advice to achieve their dreams,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department for San Bernardino County. “In 2011, 13 youth service providers helped more than 1,320 youth through the Year-Round WIA Youth Program and many of those young people go on to find jobs or higher education that lead to long-term careers.”

“It has been a pleasure working with San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board,” Molly Gazin, Educator Network Coordinator of Roadtrip Nation. “The facilitators are enthusiastic and dedicated to the futures of the youth involved and that is evident in their experience with the program. We’re excited to see the results of the final Roadtrip Projects that they’re hard at work on right now.”

The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Act Youth Program gives eligible youth access to services designed to increase educational opportunities, develop better job skills, explore career options, develop leadership qualities, participate in adult and peer mentoring and counseling and obtain valuable work experience.

Students in the program receive career counseling, reading and math remediation, tutoring, alternative secondary schooling, vocational training, leadership development and job placement. They also complete workshops that taught work readiness, problem solving, life skills and computer literacy.

“These youth services prepare students for the future by helping them to earn a degree, certificate or a paid internship, and obtain much needed career skills,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “The Roadtrip Nation Experience provides each student with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, confidence and an awareness of professional occupations available to them.”

To learn more about the San Bernardino County WIA Youth Program, call or visit one of the youth providers listed at http://www.sbcountyjobops.com/youthservices.html .

Roadtrip Nation, a half-hour documentary television series distributed nationally by American Public Television, airs in southern California on both KOCE and KLCS. Check local listings or visit www.roadtripnation.com/watch for specific airtimes.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

About Roadtrip Nation:

In the summer of 2001, three friends decided to take a Roadtrip to seek their place in the world. The idea behind the Roadtrip was simple: If you don’t know what to do with your life, talk to people who are doing what they love, then ask them how they got there. The trio hit the road in a mechanically unsound Green RV, and three months and 17,000 miles later, had interviewed 85 eclectic individuals.

Since then, Roadtrip Nation has evolved into a Movement to help individuals define their own roads in life: Including seven seasons on public television, three books, an online community, and a student network on more than 350 campuses.

In 2009, the Movement expanded into education with the creation of RoadtripNation.org and the development of The Roadtrip Nation Experience, a hands-on, engaging curriculum that guides students through an explorative process to learn about pathways relevant to their own individuality.

Roadtrip Nation is dedicated to inspiring people everywhere to create lives based on doing what they love. For more information, visit roadtripnation.com and roadtripnation.org.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

“This grant will pay for laid-off workers to participate in On-the-Job Training, paid work experience, internships and customized training programs,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board and Director of Workforce Development. “It also provides support services for participants such as tools and transportation, depending upon their needs.”

In 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau hired nearly 700,000 workers. These were all short term assignments and all were completed by September 2010.

The San Bernardino County Business Resource Team is also recruiting employers to hire through this grant and receive reimbursement for the wages of new employees paid through On-the-Job Training contracts.

“The census jobs, though temporary positions, were a lifeline for many of our residents seeking employment during tough, recessionary times,” said Josie Gonzales, Chair and County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor. “Now, through this grant expansion another lifeline has been cast, linking former census workers with services and training to secure more permanent careers in one of our region’s in-demand industries.”

The California Multi-Sector Workforce Partnership was formed to address 123 mass layoffs in California that affected 32,527 workers in 19 industries statewide. The partnership expects 5,887 California residents to receive free training paid for by this grant.

The purpose of this partnership is to provide a collaborative response to the retrain and transition dislocated workers. It also aims to help employers in vital economic sectors with employee development.

Employers or job seekers with questions should call (800) 451-JOBS (5627) or visit one of the County’s three Employment Resource Centers located in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga and Hesperia. Information is also available at http://www.sbcountyjobops.com/training.html .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing County resources to generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The study investigated how youth were assisted in San Bernardino County after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program ended. During the program, the Board paid the wages of nearly 2,000 youth in the region to gain work experience in the industries they were interested in. Participants also received soft-skills training and mentoring to help them find jobs and succeed in those positions.

After the ARRA funding ran out, San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board used its regular funding streams to continue the training of older youth in the program and mentored them through its three Employment Resource Centers.

San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s 2009 Summer Youth Employment Program has since received seven national awards.

Mathematica Policy Research conducted the independent study for the Department of Labor. The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board is one of eight sites studied.

“The youth who participated in the 2009 summer program were given an opportunity to gain work experience and learn valuable life lessons,” said Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “Many of the youth remained with their employers or enrolled in vocational training institutions and colleges.”

The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program is a year-round program that gives eligible youth access to services designed to increase educational opportunities, develop better job skills, explore career options, develop leadership qualities, participate in adult and peer mentoring and counseling and obtain valuable work experience.

Students in the program receive career counseling, reading and math remediation, tutoring, alternative secondary schooling, vocational training, leadership development and job placement. They also complete workshops that teach work readiness, problem solving, life skills and computer literacy.

“The key to the success of this program is that students receive intensive follow up services and many come to our County’s three Employment Resource Centers to find jobs,” said Sandy Harmsen, executive director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “This program is aligned with our county’s vision to develop a vibrant economy and skilled workforce.”

To learn more about the San Bernardino County WIA Youth Program, call or visit one of the youth providers listed at http://www.sbcountyjobops.com/youthservices.html .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Max Likins, a recently separated veteran, was hired by Dalton through the Desert Green Veterans Grant that paid for On-the-Job Training wage reimbursement. He was transferred to Dalton’s distribution center in Bloomington where he is now part of the team loading more than 220 pre-fabricated modular units to be shipped by truck and railcar to Joplin. St. John’s Regional Medical Care Center was destroyed by the tornado that ripped through Joplin, MO last year.

“A project of this scope and importance requires personnel who understand efficiency and know how to work as a team. In my experience, veterans bring those qualities to our company,” said Terry Klenske, President of Dalton Trucking. “The people we’ve hired with the Workforce Investment Board’s support have moved up the ranks. My goal has always been to keep our people for the long haul. I’m very fortunate to have many key employees who have been with Dalton Trucking for 20 years or more.”

Hiring new personnel takes time away from keeping up with orders and meeting customer demands. At Desert View Auto in Bloomington, CA, General Manager Eric Frazier is responsible for overseeing an operation that picks up donated cars, processes them and then sells them for various charities in Southern California.

Three months ago, Frazier worked with the San Bernardino County Business Resource Team to hire a recently-separated veteran. He received On-the-Job Training wage reimbursement through the Desert Green Veterans Training Grant

“With his dedication and training, he has already moved up the ranks,” Frazier said. “This young man is a great asset to our company and I want to bring more veterans like him onto our team.”

The Workforce Investment Board’s Business Resource Team provides funding to businesses hire and train new employees through On-the-Job Training programs. The team also offers help with recruiting qualified employees, business consulting, job fairs, market research and business workshops.

“Our Business Resource Team has successfully partnered with many of the employers in our region to help them find the skilled employees they need to grow,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department. “We are very proud to have played a small role in a project that not only hired local veterans, but that will benefit a community heavily impacted by that terrible natural disaster.”

“It is gratifying to see rebuilding efforts happening, both here and in Joplin,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “The Business Resource Team’s training programs are enabling our veterans are find jobs and transform their lives; and as valued employees they are making it possible for a local company, like Dalton Trucking, help rebuild a community nearly 1,500 miles away.”

The Business Resource Team can be reached at (800) 451-JOBS or http://www.sbcounty.gov/csb-win/wia.htm .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Judy Lopez, Director of Business Development at Microdyne has witnessed many changes since she joined the company in 1975. The recent recession demonstrated the need for a major cultural shift in order to succeed in this new climate.

“As competition grew, we didn’t want to lose jobs because we bid half a cent more than the company down the street,” she said. “We needed to reevaluate our suppliers and our pricing structure, cut costs if possible and look at ways to aggressively market ourselves rather than rely entirely on word-of-mouth.”

Lopez learned about the County’s Business Consulting Program after attending a marketing seminar hosted by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. This program provides local employers an opportunity to receive consulting services in cost cutting and marketing at no cost. In May 2011, Microdyne began an intensive process audit performed by California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC®) and began designing a new website with Ron Stark of Voice Marketing.

“Businesses that struggled most in this recession shared a common trait in that they could not easily shift production into different market segments,” said Michael Goblowsky, Account Manager for CMTC. “We showed Microdyne not only where they could cut costs and streamline operations, but also how they could expand and diversify to create new market opportunities.”

Microdyne completed the program in September 2011 and recently launched their new website at http://www.MicrodynePlastics.com .

“We are leaner and feel ready to take on new opportunities as well as create them with our new marketing plan and our website,” Lopez said proudly.

In 2010, the San Bernardino County’s Workforce Investment Board’s Business Consulting Program helped employers retain 902 jobs and create 204 new jobs.

“Our County Workforce Investment Board’s business consulting program is one of the few offered in the nation that streamlines and empowers regional employers,” said Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor. “This is another example of why San Bernardino County is a great place to do business.”

“We are very proud of the results from the Business Consulting Program,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “Our partners have given employers the tools they need to grow and have provided our workforce with new opportunities for long-term stability.”

Employers and job seekers can find out more information about the business consulting program and services offered through their local San Bernardino County One-Stop Employment Resource Centers located in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Hesperia. Please visit: http://www.sbcounty.gov/csb-win/wia.htm .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life, and the BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The in-house program provides on-the-job training and mentoring for employees to become “A” level electricians, mechanics or machinists. Starting salary for the trainees is $20.17 per hour. Upon graduation, an electrician’s pay increases to $32.32 per hour; machinists and mechanics to $30.22 per hour.

Currently, CSI has 43 employees in their training programs who attend classes tailored specifically to their respective trades at Chaffey College and San Bernardino Valley College. Employees from member businesses of the Manufacturers Council of the Inland Empire also attend classes.

“The program began 13 years ago and we have been very successful in developing high quality technicians who have become fully qualified craft workers at CSI,” said Brett Guge, Executive Vice President – Finance and Administration at California Steel Industries, Inc.

A survey of 800 manufacturers conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in 2005 reported that more than 80% experienced a shortage of skilled workers. When California Steel’s regional and national efforts to recruit qualified “A” level electricians, mechanics and machinists fell short, CSI responded by creating the craft development programs assisted by the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board.

“Our company faced a shortage of skilled craft workers as our current workforce neared retirement age,” said Guge. “Even in this economy, we could not find qualified people to step into these positions.”

“Manufacturers across the nation are having trouble finding skilled workers, but here in San Bernardino County, the Workforce Investment Board supports our employers and employees with federally funded training programs to develop our local workforce with the skills local employers seek,” said Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor.

The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board provides services to all manufacturers throughout the county. The Business Resource Team reaches out to employers of all sizes to help train and develop skilled employees as well as provide no-cost recruitment and hiring services. In 2010, the Business Resource Team saved county employers $3,647,877 through On-the-Job Training program reimbursement, and helped nearly 6,000 job seekers gain employment.

Employers and job seekers can find more information about the job training programs and services through their local San Bernardino County One-Stop Employment Resource Centers located in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Hesperia. Please visit: http://www.sbcounty.gov/csb-win/wia.htm .

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing County resources which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life, and the BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.

News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .