Sonoma Valley California, Workforce
Labor market information for employers and businesses can be found through the California Employment Development Department, including a Sonoma County labor market profile. The Sonoma County Economic Development Board also provides data, including the 2011 Workforce and Education Report.
The Sonoma County Employer Advisory Council provides member employers with access to a "management hotline" to assist with employment law questions, among other benefits.
Sonoma County's Workforce Investment Board (WIB) oversees the Joblink program, which provides help for job seekers as well as Business Services. The WIB also works closely with the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) on career programs offered through the Regional Occupation Program, such as the WorkReady Certificate Program. Publications of SCOE include Career Pathways information.
SCOE now offers Career Education courses for adults, including Basic Construction, Basic Electronics, Microsoft Office, Video Editing, and a food handling training for home-based cottage food businesses. Learn more through their Spring 2013 brochure and website.
The Business Education Roundtable (BERT), a partnership of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of 
Commerce and the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, has developed several successful initiatives, including job shadowing, mock interviews, and internships for high school students with local businesses. BERT also works to encourage "real world" SVHS Senior Projects at local businesses. For more information, contact the Chamber.
Looking for ways to support the development of our future workforce? Local programs include:
Schools of Hope: a one-on-one volunteer program to help young readers and meet the goal of reading proficiency by third grade, a critical factor in future success.
"Stand By Me" Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance: view a video about the local mentoring program for Sonoma Valley youth.
Sonoma Valley Education Foundation: a nonprofit that raises funds to support local education programs.
Sonoma Valley Teen Services: programs include the Skills For Life workplace preparedness seminars.
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