Workforce Investment may be a well-kept secret

What is the Workforce Investment Board (WIB)?

It's a board comprising people from the business and public sectors who manage federal funds for programs and services that support employers and job seekers. Board members are appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

In fiscal year 2007-08, the board has administered $4.7 million in federal funds for services and programs, down about $700,000 from the year before.

The federal government makes additional funding available when companies announce employee layoffs.

WIB employment services and programs, free to job seekers and employers, are available through the eight Job and Career Centers located throughout the county.

A 2006 report from the federal government's general accounting office, however, states that half of the employers that responded to a survey were unaware of WIB services and programs.

Ventura County is no different. Debbie Barber, director of Ventura County's Human Services Agency, said WIB is a "hidden jewel" because many people and businesses don't know the fullrange of employment-related services available to them.

Still, some people are discovering what WIB has to offer. Over the last two years, more than 3,600 job seekers have been placed in jobs through services at the centers and more than 700 employers have used the online services, including on-site recruitments and job listings, Barber said.

More than two dozen employers have taken advantage of WIB's on-the-job subsidized training program for their employees, while others have participated in WIB job fairs and business expos and received help for business development and support to ease the transition when employees are laid off, she said.

Each year, more than 20,000 people visit the eight career centers for employment services, WIB Chair Alex Teague said.

"Our programs are proving invaluable to thousands of job seekers in Ventura County," he said.

For job seekers, Workforce Investment services include:

•Career exploration and evaluation

•Support programs, such as child care, transitional housing and internships, for eligible youth and adults

•Career workshops, job search and training information

Some services available to employers are:

•Job postings and recruitment assistance

•Financial help when training employees

•Business consultation

•Help to avert closing or ease the transition when employees will be laid off

For a complete list of Workforce Investment Board services, visit the website at www.wib.ventura.org.

For a list of the eight Job and Career Centers located throughout Ventura County, visit the Virtural OneStop website at www.venturacountyjcc.org.

The Virtual OneStop website also offers job seekers and employers free services that include job and candidate search, resume building and information on education and training programs, market trends, salaries and labor laws.