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AUGUST 2024
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Message from the Chair
The size and quality of our workforce is one of our greatest economic assets
William Sterling
WDB Chair
San Bernardino and the Inland Empire have so much going for them when it comes to economic opportunities: Strong infrastructure, a growing population and a supportive business environment, to name a few. But it’s the quality and size of our workforce that truly stands out.
In honor of Labor Day, we wanted to highlight in the chart above just how much our county has to offer when it comes to filling the personnel needs of current and future employers: A labor pool of more than 1 million, an expanding pipeline of future workers and access to outstanding educational and career-training programs and services. The latter was underscored during a recent visit to the Chaffey College InTech Center by the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department and Congresswoman Norma Torres (see story, below).
At the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, we are honored to support innovative efforts such as InTech as we build a workforce for today and tomorrow. Happy Labor Day, and for more on what we’re doing, please visit our website.
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 Above from left: Derek Armstrong, San Bernardino County Director of Economic Development; Fontana City Councilmember John Roberts; U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Alejandra J. Castillo; Congresswoman Norma Torres; San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez; and San Bernardino County Workforce Development Director Bradley Gates.
Proud to support InTech Center’s ‘life-changing model for others to follow’
The Chaffey College Industrial Technical Learning Center (InTech) emerged in response to the Inland Empire's need for an accelerated craft training program. This initiative was realized through the deep collaboration between Chaffey College and regional stakeholders, including the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department, which advocated at the state and federal levels.
On Friday, July 26, the InTech Center welcomed U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Alejandra J. Castillo and Congresswoman Norma Torres for a tour. They were joined by Second District County Supervisor Jessie Armendarez, Workforce Development Director Bradley Gates, and several other dignitaries. The visit showcased the success and impact of InTech, with graduates, education, and industry partners sharing their experiences and insights with Secretary Castillo.
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) recognized early on the importance of enabling students to earn while learning through initiatives such as InTech. This vision, supported by local, state, and federal representatives, has made InTech a model for effective public-private partnerships.
“Industry partners first approached Workforce Development over two decades ago, and we have been committed to supporting the efforts to align and build programs that serve our community by preparing the workforce and enhancing the regional economy,” said William Sterling, WDB Chairman. “We are dedicated to supporting InTech as a cutting-edge, life-changing model for others to follow.”
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Remembering Scott Kuethen |
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Workforce Development Board (WDB) Vice Chair Scott Kuethen. Scott, who also chaired our Special Populations Committee, was dedicated to helping employers build high-performing teams and helping people find meaningful work.
In addition to his volunteer service to WDB, Scott was Chief Executive Officer at Amtec Human Capital, a nationwide recruiting organization with offices in Southern California, Oregon, Arizona and the Philippines. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Redlands and his Executive MBA from the Drucker School of Business in Claremont.
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Please join us in extending our condolences and prayers to Scott’s family and everyone in the community whom he touched with his tireless work. |
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Monthly Labor Market Update
 Employment levels in San Bernardino County remain near historic highs, led by healthcare and logistics. And while declines in other sectors helped drive up the unemployment rate during June, the county continues to outperform the state, according to the California Employment Development Department. Year over year, total employment is up by 1,300, while the total labor force has increased by 6,000. Across the Inland Empire, healthcare has added nearly 20,000 jobs since June 2023, making it the biggest winner among industry sectors in the region.
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 My first job was when I was a junior at Washington High School in Fremont, Calif. I was a hostess at Red Lobster. I got a job because I wanted to save money for a car. I would go to Red Lobster after practice of whatever sport I was playing that season. They were long days, but I got to eat as many of those cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits as I wanted – and I got 50% off the meals! Over a two year period, because I wasn’t old enough to be a server yet but really wanted cash tips, I was also a food runner, a bus girl and even a line-cook. Eventually, with my Dad’s help, I was able to save enough money to buy that car. When I turned 18, I finally became a server, and ended up transferring to the San Jose Red Lobster where I worked through college. I liked having cash on hand, and my tips went toward gas, tuition and occasional adventures across the world! But it was my time at Red Lobster that I learned important values that have stuck with me today – I learned what it means to deliver excellent customer service, the ability to talk to a wide range of people, how to anticipate needs, and the art of multi-tasking. Oh – and plot twist – it was while working at Red Lobster that I learned another important lesson. Turns out, I was allergic to, wait for it, crab and lobster!
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Stat of the Month
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Connecting Employers and Job Seekers
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board hosts hiring events at the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and other venues throughout the year. Coming up:
Thursday, August 22: Career Fair, Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Way, Ontario. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, August 22: Career Fair, Hofert Hall/Big Bear Lake Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 5: Career Fair, East Valley America’s Job Center of California, Inland Center Mall, 500 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18: Career Fair, Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Coming Up
WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources that are available. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates:
Friday, August 16: California Employment Development Department releases its July jobs report.
Friday, September 6: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its August jobs report.
Wednesday, September 11: WDB Executive Board Meeting 8:30-10 a.m., 290 North D Street, Suite 600, San Bernardino.
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 On any given day, San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have access to 100 or more job seekers ready and able to fill your positions. To find that perfect employee for your business, please contact your local AJCC:
East Valley: 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, Inland Center Mall, San Bernardino (909) 382-0440
West Valley: 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-6500
High Desert: 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville (760) 552-6550
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Stay up to date
Click here to catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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- WIOA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For federal funding disclosure information, visit: workforce.sbcounty.gov/about/ffd/
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