To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Contract # 18-489-0 (WDB) Department of Labor Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Employment and Human Services Department Director, or designee, on behalf of the Workforce Development Board, to apply for and accept a grant of up to $5,000,000 from the Department of Labor Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant to develop strong sector partnerships to design training and employment programs responsive to local and regional infrastructure sector demands in the proposed grant service area.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Department of Labor (DOL) requires applicants to contribute 15 percent of the total requested funds to support the grant with matching funds, approximately $750,000. Such funds may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. Any resources contributed to the project will come from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program funding. No county match.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the Department of Labor (DOL) Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program is to fund public-private partnerships to develop, strengthen, and scale promising and evidence-based training models in H-1B industries and occupations critical to meeting the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and to maximize the impact of these investments. Contra Costa County will need a skilled and capable workforce to fill the good-paying jobs and this grant program will train job seekers in advanced manufacturing; information technology; and professional, scientific, and technical services occupations that support renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure sectors. The DOL Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program represents a down payment for the future skilled workforce needs that are being developed through the BIL investments by investing in the development and expansion of the workforce partnerships that will be needed to build equitable pathways to good infrastructure jobs. The period of performance is 60 months with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2024.
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) recommends the Board approve the submittal of this application. The purpose of the WDB is to promote and support workforce development initiatives that meet the needs of employers and job seekers within the local and regional economy. The proposal will aim to develop robust sector partnerships to design training and employment programs that meet the local and regional infrastructure sector demands in the proposed grant service area. As job growth and workforce needs fluctuate due to social, economic, and technological changes within the evolving infrastructure sector, applicants are expected to use relevant labor market information (LMI) continuously and responsively. This will enable them to understand current and upcoming workforce needs for in-demand occupations, skills, and credentials.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This grant award would support all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families” by providing training and employment opportunities for in-school and out-of-school youth.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County will be unable to establish sector partnerships to address local economic hiring needs and create training opportunities that equip individuals with the skills and competencies required for emerging occupations, enabling them to secure quality jobs and earn living wages.