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SEPTEMBER 2024
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San Bernardino County, long known as a vibrant working-class community, is now a prime destination for management careers, with nearly 95,000 high-level job openings projected over the next decade.
This growing demand for skilled managers underscores the county’s emergence as Southern California's fastest-growing economic hub. As businesses and key industries expand, the need for effective leadership has never been greater.
This shift also highlights a broader economic transformation in the county, where traditional industries are being complemented by new sectors that require skilled managers, directors and executives to navigate growth and innovation.
The average salary for these management positions has reached six figures, making them not only financially rewarding but also highly competitive. Coupled with the region’s unique blend of opportunity and quality of life, San Bernardino County offers seasoned managers and aspiring leaders an unprecedented chance to shape the future of a region on the rise.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board provides resources and services that support employment growth at every level. For more on what we offer, please visit our website.
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We asked Bansree Parikh, President of Bank of America Inland Empire, what advice she would offer to someone looking to get into management. Here’s what she said:
Proactively showcase your leadership skills. Demonstrate your ability to lead by taking on leadership roles, even when you are not in management.
Develop your leadership brand. Showcase your ability to be a leader by motivating others, mentoring colleagues and leading projects. Develop and refine your leadership brand to be what you want to be known for.
Strategic networking and relationship building. Create a broad network of colleagues and leaders, both inside and outside of your institution, to find opportunities. A strong network can provide you with guidance, opportunities, mentorship and support as you look for promotion or that new management role.
Demonstrate strategic thinking. Show that you understand the big picture and organization’s direction. Also show that you can motivate your team to align with those macro goals.
Take risks and set your own path. A single track career ladder is a thing of the past and there are now many career paths you can take. Look for unexpected opportunities; sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to find success.
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Message from the Chair
Our mission: Foster economic vitality through equitable workforce development
William Sterling
WDB Chair
I am thrilled to announce that the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board has approved a new Mission Statement: “Champion equitable workforce development systems that foster economic vitality by creating opportunities for businesses, employees, and job seekers, ensuring access and advancement for all.”
This mission is more than just words; it reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed. We recognize that our economy’s strength is directly tied to the success of our businesses, employees and job seekers. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community that benefits everyone. I look forward to collaborating with all of you to make this vision a reality.
For more on what we’re doing, please visit our website.
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Epic Engineers’ work includes the conversion of former baseball and softball fields into a 6,000-seat athletic complex at Redlands High School. Company President Troy Molaug (inset) says WDB programs such as On-The-Job Training help the Redlands firm meet the needs of its clients. |
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WDB’s On-The-Job Training assistance helps growth of local engineering firm |
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Epic Engineers in Redlands has been a partner in designing and creating K-12 classrooms and facilities in California for nearly three decades. The company first turned to a number of Workforce Development Boards for help in 2013, and has seen substantial growth since then, increasing from seven to 17 full-time employees and opening a second office.
Whether working directly with the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB), or in collaboration with the Riverside County WDB, “we feel very fortunate to have connected because the resources provided to our organization have allowed us to grow in various ways,” said Troy Molaug, President of Epic Engineers.
He cites On-The-Job Training (OJT) as an example. “The OJT program has benefited our seasoned project managers by empowering them to become mentors and cross-train their new co-workers. Two weeks ago, we hired a new engineer and will utilize OJT, and we look forward to continuing to utilize this and other valuable resources WDB provides.”
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Monthly Labor Market Update
 San Bernardino County’s unemployment rate rose half a percentage point in July, led by a decline in government jobs. The county is still outperforming the state, however, and continues to see year-over-year growth in several key industries, most notably healthcare. Across the Inland Empire, healthcare added 18,600 jobs over the past year.
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 My first job was at Sears, Roebuck and Company in Glendale. At the time, Sears was the Walmart or Amazon of the retail industry. I started out as a retail sales clerk in Hardware/Lawn & Garden and quickly moved up to become an Assistant Manager. I was working while paying my own way through college, and it was a delicate act to balance my work and school schedule. Days could be anywhere from three to nine hours, and I usually worked four to five days a week, while also carrying three to five classes and driving between Glendale and Cal State Fullerton.
I can see now that the lessons I was learning would carry throughout my career. Customer Service was ingrained into me, and learning how to talk with and relate to people of all generations and multiple languages was critical. Being timely and reliable helped me get more hours and better assignments. No job was too small or large, and attention to detail was critical, whether it was selling someone the right product, creating a retail display, or restocking the backroom every few days. I was making use of things I had learned in school, such as math, psychology, economics and chemistry, in ways I never realized. I also learned that hard work has its own rewards and if you are willing to work harder than others, you can forge your own path.
I am grateful for the opportunity I was given. Without some of those early lessons, I don’t know that I would be where I am today.
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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:
Wednesday, September 18: Career Fair, Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday, October 17: Career Fair, West Valley AJCC, 9650 9th St., Suite B., Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-Noon.
Thursday, October 24: Career Fair, Cora Harper Community Center, 841 Barstow Road, Barstow. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, November 7: Veterans’ Hiring Event, Landecena Community Building, 1325 San Bernardino Road, Upland. 11 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, September 20: California Employment Development Department releases its August jobs report.
Friday, October 4: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its September jobs report.
Wednesday, October 9: WDB Committee meetings, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.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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