SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Aug. 22, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — San Bernardino County has created a central online tool that brings together job seekers, employers and training programs that support the fastest-growing industries in the region. The site was launched by the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board in partnership with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and Alliance for Education.
The Workforce Access Matrix (WAM) at http://matrix.sbcalliance.org/ provides detailed information about in-demand occupations with forecasted growth, median wage information and career training programs. Employers can use the site to find training programs in their area, success rates and contact information to recruit skilled employees. Educators and occupational training providers will use the site to distribute information about available skills training and certificate programs, reaching more students who can enter their programs.
“The Workforce Access Matrix is a very successful collaboration to clear the path for our county’s workforce to find careers and job training,” said Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor. “Anyone can use this information which includes projected job growth in the high-demand industry sectors as well as links to training providers for ease of enrollment.”
“For example, a business that is considering hiring in our region can access WAM to see which training providers are conducting classes in the skills needed for their business,” explained Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “They can find out how many people are enrolled in specific training programs and their success rate.”
The site was also designed for middle and high school students to research career options and pathways to a bright future, according to Kevin Baker, Business and Community Liaison with the Alliance for Education.
“We also want to see youth exploring this website with their parents, teachers, counselors or mentors so they can see the possibilities available to them and start taking classes that will help them prepare for college or vocational training,” Baker said.
Employers, occupational training providers and schools that provide certifications in local demand industries are invited to send information to be posted to the matrix. Those interested can email information to Kevin Baker, kevin_baker@sbcss.k12.ca.us .
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’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
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