The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Santa Barbara County is pleased to announce that it is leading a project to assist job-seekers who have been or expect to be laid off as a result of the merger between Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and Union Bank. The project is designed to help these workers transition into new jobs within Santa Barbara County and to connect the business community to a pool of skilled and qualified workers. The WIB has received special funding from the State to coordinate a business-focused, demand-driven response to the large scale lay-offs.

The WIB is leading the collaborative effort, which includes The Goleta Valley and Santa Barbara Chambers of Commerce, Santa Barbara City College, and BW Research. The project team will work together to assess the skills of the laid off workers as well as the needs of local employers. If necessary, short-term vocational skills training will be provided to bridge any potential skill gaps.

Individuals who lost their jobs with Santa Barbara Bank & Trust/Union Bank are encouraged to complete this brief survey so the WIB can better assist them: http://www.bwresearch.com/pl/sbwib-bt/

For more information about the WIB-led project for Santa Barbara Bank & Trust/Union Bank employees, please contact Jessica McLernon at j.mclernon@sbcsocialserv.org.

ABOUT THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD OF Santa Barbara COUNTY

The Workforce Investment Board, www.SantaBarbaraCountyWIB.org, is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of businesses, adults, laid-off workers and youth throughout Santa Barbara County. The WIB is a public/private partnership created by the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and is staffed by the County of Santa Barbara.

Job seekers and employers can take advantage of free services at two Workforce Resource Centers (“One-Stops”) to help find work or new employees. Programs include employment services for job seekers, the latest labor market information and regional workforce research for businesses, as well as training that specialize in helping people gain the skills and confidence necessary to find and obtain a job. The One-Stop Shops are at 1410 S. Broadway in Santa Maria, (805) 614-1550, and 130 E. Ortega Street in Santa Barbara, (805) 568-1296. Online information is available at www.workforceresource.com.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.