EASTBAYWorks (the collaboration among the four Workforce Development Boards of the East Bay) and AMBayArea (the Bay Area Association of Manufacturers) have teamed up to launch a train-the-trainers program to spread the gospel of manufacturing career paths through experiential learning at real employers.
This Summer’s Tool Up for Manufacturing events featured two Alameda County manufacturers: C-Hawk in Hayward and Scandic Springs in San Leandro. Both make custom parts for other companies, serving as an important part of the manufacturing ecosystem and using a variety of manufacturing processes. About 50 service providers who work directly with job seekers toured each facility. From hiring managers and employees, they heard about positions and skill needs. From local college representatives, they learned about relevant programs and courses.
Assuming these front-line staff each work with about 20 job seekers, these first two events reached over one thousand job seekers! The goal of the program is to help career coaches spot in-demand transferable skills in their clients and advise them of opportunities in manufacturing. For example, someone who has worked as a manicurist might do well in a position that requires a steady hand, the capacity to do close work, and a penchant for detail and precision. Someone who has tinkered on motorcycles might excel in a position requiring hands-on work and an enjoyment of diagnosing and solving mechanical problems. The tour groups also learned how individuals can advance from entry-level jobs into more advanced positions, and which community college courses might help.
The Tool Up for Manufacturing program will offer additional events for workforce development staff in the coming months, as well as more in-depth externships to give staff the chance to learn about manufacturing career paths by spending 1-2 full days shadowing workers at a company.
If you would like to learn more about the program, reach out to Claire Michaels, Regional Manufacturing Careers Specialist, at cmichaels@ehsd.cccounty.us.
