The goal is to utilize current systems of workforce preparation in order to effectively align common goals and resources and deliver services, education and/or training to students and adults countywide. The Alliance for Education has aligned common goals with Regional Occupational Programs (ROP), secondary and post-secondary career/technical education, the Economic Development Department of California, the county’s Economic Development Agency, and county and city Workforce Investment Boards. Students and adults will access these resources through a countywide clearinghouse website currently in operation, called The Workforce Opportunity Matrix. The West End Workforce Opportunity Regional Collaborative (WEWORC) has served as the model for the High Desert Job Opportunity Board (HDJOB) and the East Valley Job Opportunity Board (EVJOB). Relying on several resources, including research by noted economist Dr. John Husing, these advisories communicate to key education and workforce training providers the current labor market trends and needed skill sets for local business and industry. Together, these advisories have assisted local businesses in employment and resource needs.
The key elements within this system component are:

• Regional economic and business advisories to inform educators and training providers of employment trends, needs and skills sets; 
• Partnership with the county’s Economic Development Agency to provide Business Resource Specialists that connect the business community with education to accomplish work-based learning opportunities: Internships, job shadowing, mentoring and advisories;
• Development of new or enhanced career technical education/ROP programs that meet workforce needs, aligning academic and career/technical standards to prepare a well-educated and skilled workforce; and
• Maintenance and marketing of the Workforce Opportunity Matrix and Partnership Connection link available on the Alliance’s website clearinghouse.

California Labor Federation

Employment Development Department

John Husing (Economics & Politics, Inc.)

San Bernardino County Jobs & Economic Development Agency
SCANS 2000

Student Jobs

U.S. Department of Labor