Welcome to Ventura County Works, the official podcast of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, dedicated to bringing people and opportunities together.
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In this episode of Ventura County Works, leaders from the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County reflect on receiving the 2026 WIOA Trailblazer Award at the NAWB Forum and explore what it takes to build a high-performing workforce system. The conversation highlights the power of strategic planning, employer engagement, community partnerships, and human-centered design in helping job seekers…
Tune in to explore how advanced manufacturing is evolving into one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich industries in Ventura County. In this episode of Ventura County Works , host and Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, Rebecca Evans, sits down with Sarah Christopher Falk of Scientific Cutting Tools, Inc. to break down what modern manufacturing really…
Tune in for a conversation with Celia Daniels, Founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting, about the evolving healthcare workforce and the many opportunities within one of Ventura County's most vital industries. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and life sciences, Celia shares insights on the growing demand for talent, why compassion and people skills remain essential in…
In this episode of Ventura County Works , Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with Port of Hueneme leader and Workforce Development Board member Miguel Rodriguez for a special installment of the "Board Member Minutes" series. Miguel shares his professional journey and what drew him to community relations and workforce development, offering an inside look at how the Port of Hueneme serves as…
In this episode of Ventura County Works , host Rebecca Evans is joined by Laura Martinez and Natalie Lehman to discuss leadership, community connection, and innovation in workforce development. They share how their work on the Workforce Development Board helped inspire InsideTrak: FutureReady Workforce and explain its concierge-style approach to aligning strategy, funding, and partnerships to help…
In this episode of Ventura County Works , Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with small business owner and past Board Chair Stephen Yeoh for a special installment of the "Board Member Minutes" series. Stephen shares his journey as an entrepreneur in Ventura County, reflecting on what inspired him to start his business and how local partnerships support economic growth. He discusses his…
In this Board Member Minutes episode of Ventura County Works, Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with nonprofit leader Lisa Safaeinili to explore how service and equity drive workforce innovation. Lisa shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the mission of her organization, and what inspired her to join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. Together they discuss the…
Tune in to this episode of Ventura County Works as we kick off our new segment, Board Member Minutes , with Ken Wiseman—business owner, community leader, and long-time advocate for lifelong learning. Ken shares his journey from leading a large corporate operation to revitalizing historic spaces in Piru, and how his experiences fuel his passion for workforce development. Discover why small business…
Tune in to this powerful episode of Ventura County Works as we explore how artificial intelligence can either widen or bridge equity gaps in the workforce. Celia Daniels, board member of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board and Founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting LLC, shares how AI systems, if designed without inclusive input, can reinforce existing biases and shut out marginalized…
In this episode, you'll discover how Ventura County's NextGen program is helping young people ages 14 to 24 prepare for successful futures through hands-on job experience, education support, and personalized guidance. You'll learn how the program removes barriers to employment by offering paid work opportunities, mentorship, career exploration, and essential life tools at no cost to participants.…
En este episodio, exploramos una de las barreras más importantes para el empleo en la actualidad: la alfabetización digital. Acompáñanos mientras exploramos Northstar Digital Literacy, un recurso gratuito en el Condado de Ventura que te ayuda a desarrollar las habilidades tecnológicas y la confianza necesarias para solicitar empleos, usar computadoras y tener éxito en la fuerza laboral actual.…
In this episode, listeners will learn about Fields of Opportunity for Farm Worker Families , a free, federally funded program in Ventura County designed to support farm workers and their families in building better futures. The episode explores how participants can access career training in high-demand industries, receive one-on-one career coaching, and gain essential support such as…
In this episode, we explore how healing takes many forms—through careers, community, and connection. Join us as we dive into VC Heal, Ventura County's new healthcare careers program created in response to the devastation of the Thomas and Woolsey wildfires. Funded by disaster recovery grants, VC Heal offers no-cost healthcare training, supportive services, life coaching, and career navigation to…
In this episode we tackle one of the biggest barriers to employment today: digital literacy. Join us as we explore Northstar Digital Literacy, a free resource in Ventura County that helps you build the tech skills and confidence you need to apply for jobs, use computers, and succeed in today's workforce. You'll hear from Eddie Jimenez, Workshop Facilitator for the Ventura County WORKS program at…
In this special episode, originally recorded for Our Ventura TV, Rebecca Evans and Vicente Nicario speak with George Alger about the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, discussing how this federally-funded organization connects employers with skilled workers and helps job seekers find career opportunities at no cost. Rebecca explains their efforts to raise awareness about their services…
Tune in as we explore SkillUp Ventura County, an innovative program offering residents free online skills training and certification opportunities. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, leads a discussion with key partners. Joining her are the team from Managed Career Solutions (MCS) and special guest Kerry Twomey from Metrix…
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore how businesses in Ventura County can harness its transformative power. Discover the common misconceptions about AI and learn how to navigate the practical challenges of adoption. Gain insights into the critical role of the human element in successful AI implementation and uncover strategies for equitable…
Join Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, as he discusses how education and industry work together to create career opportunities in Ventura County. Learn about the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) Career Education Center programs in healthcare, transportation, welding, and veterinary assistance. Discover how local education systems partner with employers to…
In this episode, you'll learn about a new program in Ventura County called "Sowing Seeds of Success," designed to support farmworkers. The program offers essential job skills training, career coaching, and language learning through a mobile platform, making it accessible for workers with busy schedules. You'll hear about the program's goals, eligibility requirements, and how it addresses…
In this episode of Ventura County Works, host Doug Foresta is joined by Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, and Celia Sandhya Daniels, a dedicated board member. The conversation focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, with a specific emphasis on the LGBTQ+ community. Celia, a transgender woman and entrepreneur, shares…
Discover exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and technology with Job Connect Ventura County. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, and Crystal Murillo from Career TEAM discuss how this innovative program, funded by the state of California, connects job seekers with education, training, and skill development to…
Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, continues her discussion with Cynthia Avila, Business Solutions Manager. They explore the breadth of services offered to local businesses, including the HR hotline for no-cost human resources assistance. Other business solutions highlighted include tax credits, customized training programs, job fairs, and…
This episode features a conversation between Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, and Cynthia Avila, Business Solutions Manager at the Workforce Development Board. They discuss the business solutions team at the workforce board, including how the team connects job seekers to good opportunities with local employers. Cynthia provides examples of…
In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, is joined by James Hughes, Regional Director of Operations for Career Team LLC. James describes Career Team's human-centered approach to workforce development, meeting customers where they are and helping remove barriers to employment. He discusses innovating ways to expand access and…
In this episode, you'll learn about SkillUp Ventura County, a free electronic training (eTraining) experience through Metrix Learning. Through this online learning portal, you will be able to refresh your existing skills and learn new ones that will help ensure your success in the ever-changing employment market. SkillUp Ventura County is designed to help its residents build a workforce ecosystem…
In this episode, you'll hear about 2 exciting services: the Ventura County Works Hub and the Virtual Hiring Board.
In this episode, Rebecca Evans is joined by Lisa Mitchell, Workforce Development Program Director from the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). HASC is a valuable partner that participates in the WDBVC Healthcare Sector Workgroup. Discover the purpose of industry workgroups, and what the workgroup has been able to identify as the workforce development needs in Ventura County. Lisa…
This episode, was originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA Radio and features a conversation about the resources available for veterans and active-duty members. Discover the veteran program and services available through the America's Job & Career Center in Ventura County, how businesses benefit by hiring veterans, and much more!
In this episode, you'll learn about the HRCC: SB 1 Program. The HRCC program aims to advance careers in the building and construction trades as a reliable pathway to the middle class for disadvantaged Californians via multi-craft pre-apprenticeship training. Rebecca Evans, Executive Director, Workforce Development Board, Ventura County, Dawn Boulanger, Executive Director San Luis Obispo County…
This episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA Radio, features a conversation with representatives from two vital organizations in the community, the County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging and our local food pantry, Food Share of Ventura County. Discover the supports and resources that are available to those in need, during the holiday season and beyond.
On March 22, 2021, the Employment Development Department announced that Workforce Development Board of Ventura County was awarded $350,000 for the Disability Employment Accelerator (DEA), a grant funded through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. The goal of the grant is to promote employment strategies for People with Disabilities. This program also creates linkages and engages businesses…
Youth are the future workforce and make up a large portion of the service industry and entry-level employees. During this pandemic, youth are the most impacted population with about 17% receiving unemployment. Since the beginning of the pandemic in Ventura County, according to data from the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD), 60,530 youth ages 18-24 applied for…
This episode features a conversation with Rosa Serrato, Director of Talent Strategies for Reiter Affiliated Companies in Oxnard, CA. Rosa shares her perspective as a member of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and discusses Reiter Affiliated Companies and their role in the local region. Discover the challenges to obtaining the talent that Reiter and the larger agriculture sector…
Stephen Yeoh, Chief of Peace of Mind for Un1teee, discusses stepping into the role of Vice Chair of The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. He also shares his perspective on the top workforce talent needs in the Information Technology (IT) service sector now, and what he sees as potential needs in the near future.
In this episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA Radio, Steve Thompson, Assistant Principal, Ventura Adult and Continuing Education and Amy Tyrell, Chef and Case Manager, Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, join the program to discuss the Prison to Employment (P2E) program, which helps build career pathways and reduce recidivism.
In this episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA Radio, Jacqueline Govea, Center Director at California Employment Training discusses the English Language Learner Program.
In this episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA radio, you'll hear the details about the County of Ventura Farmworker Resource Program.
In this episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA radio, you'll learn about the High Road Construction Careers program. Discover the program details, and how it will help disadvantaged workers develop a career path in an in-demand field.
This episode was originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment on KVTA Radio on the topic of National Dislocated Worker Grants to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's impact on California's workforce.
Resume expert Dave Mason joins the program to share tips on the best approach to updating your resume, and how to tailor your resume to highlight in-demand skills. Discover the importance of identifying transferrable skills, the ideal length of your resume, and the most impactful part of a resume.
Victor Dollar, Senior Vice President of Sales for Brighton Management joins the program to discuss how Brighton, and the hospitality industry in general, has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover what Brighton is doing to ensure the health and safety of their guests, and the changing workforce needs for the hospitality industry. Victor also shares advice for anyone considering travel…
Captain Kirk Lagerquist, Chief Staff Officer at Naval Base Ventura County joins the program to discuss some of the jobs and workforce opportunities that exist on the base, and shares the journey of his own career. Discover some of the unique skills and perspectives that a global base experience can offer. It is best for us to be mindful of the strength, support and diplomacy as well as security…
In this episode, originally recorded as a Workforce Wednesday segment for KVTA radio, you'll discover programs and services that are available to help youth succeed.
On April 24th Governor Newsom announced that the Employment Development Department or EDD and the Labor & Workforce Development Agency have awarded $10 million to be shared among 42 WDB areas. The WDB of Ventura County was awarded $450,000 from that fund to provide assistance to dislocated workers and layoff aversion services. Here to talk about the ways this new grant funding will benefit Ventura…
Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, Ed.D, Associate Dean of Equity and Outreach, Program Director at Cal Lutheran University, joins the program to discuss equity and diversity as they relate to workforce development. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities, and how organizations can be part of the solution.
In this episode, originally recorded as a "Workforce Wednesday" segment for KVTA radio, Lead Manufacturing Faculty, John Clark, discusses How Ventura College is Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis by offering hybrid online/in-person course training in the discipline of advanced manufacturing.
Peter Zierhut, Vice President, Outside Operations for Haas Automation, Inc., and Vice Chair of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss how Haas Automation was able to continue their operations in a safe manner, and how they have pivoted to survive and thrive during times of disruption.
Tracy Perez, Market Manager – Serving Ventura County for Manpower and board chair for the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the work that Manpower does and their connection to the workforce industry. Discover the biggest challenges that job seekers and businesses are facing, and how the staffing sector has responded to the economic disruption caused by the…
Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the challenges that the workforce system has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the workforce board is supporting job seekers and businesses during these challenging times.
In this episode, you'll hear from Executive Director Rebecca Evans, as she gives an overview of the services offered for employers and job seekers, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the region.
