Client Services

AFWD is assessing the client services and identifying those job seekers who are in need of WIA services. While it is difficult to provide the full range of services at this time, it is our goal to have full scale WIA operations up and running July 1, 2011. We will strive to provide job seekers with access to employment and training opportunities as well as providing employers with links to qualified applicants.

The following staff members have been working round the clock to assess the situation: Holly Schirmer, Alisa Marble, Chris Sullivan, Brent Cunningham, Sue Vivilacqua, Bobbi Moore, Rachelle Tucker, Lori Nadone, Karen Mills, Bob Lackey. A BIG thanks to NoRTEC staff for all of the assistance provided over the past three weeks. Betti Austin has been a tremendous asset and have also worked round the clock to assist with client services.

A huge thanks to Butte County Social Services for assisting with client services at the Employment Centers. They have been great to work with, making referrals and notifying AFWD staff of clients that are in need of WIA services.

 

Business Services

AFWD was pleased to participate in a business meeting with a solar manufacturing company on March 8, 2011 at the Innovation Lab. Information about the local labor market as well as how AFWD could help the business with recruiting and hiring was discussed. After the meeting, AFWD in conjunction with Chabin Concepts prepared an impact analysis to identify the financial benefits of having the company locate in Butte County. Over a ten year period, the financial benefits would be over $1 billion dollars*.

*Includes jobs, payroll, output and tax revenues as well as secondary impacts at other local businesses. Report includes only impacts created in 2011-2020. Additional impacts will be generated in future years. Please see the impact analysis by clicking here.

National Emergency Grant-On the Job Training

AFWD is working with Springboard Biodiesel and assisting them with an NEG On the Job Training. Springboard Biodiesel is a biodiesel solutions company that is leading the way in developing a vibrant, small-scale biodiesel production industry.

Alternative and Renewable Energy Training

AB 118 training - This grant and associated training is part of the California Energy Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel & Vehicle Technology Program.

Industry Leaders: Roush, Ferrellgas, Transfer Flow Inc., U-Haul,

The focus is on the companies involved in development and deployment of propane and gas hybrid projects to retrofit light, medium and heavy-duty on-road vehicle fleets which will create higher fuel efficiencies, employ idle management technology, decrease fuel consumption and emissions. The project is a key component for accelerating deployment of alternative vehicles and fuels, training and upgrading skill levels of individuals in manufacturing as well as service and maintenance in alternative and retrofitted vehicles, creating needed jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the North State. This project was identified through NoRTEC’s Regional Clusters of Opportunity project and is widely supported by local government jurisdictions, workforce development, education and economic development.

The training of 170 individuals will be in the following areas:

1) Alternative Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles – certified curriculum of the National
Alternative Fuels Training Consortium,
2) Propane Vehicle Training including hands-on Propane Retrofit Training and Propane fuel
handling and infrastructure training, and
3) Hybrid Electric Vehicle Training

Training will take place at Transfer Flow, Inc. in Chico starting in May 2011.

Energy Efficiency Training Update

AFWD has partnered with the Butte County Community Action Agency, Inc. through its Energy Efficiency Training Academy will work together to assist individuals through energy efficiency and weatherization training. EETA has incorporated hands-on state-of the art laboratories and smart classroom technology to enhance the energy efficiency learning experience.

Butte County’s EETA is one of three CSD certified training facilities in the State of California made possible by funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).