Capitol Update, May 4, 2007

Dr. Mark Drummond, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, and Barbara Halsey, Executive Director of the California Workforce Investment Board, are holding a series of statewide meetings, from May 15 to May 23, on how business can benefit from an effective apprenticeship program.  As you know, California's skills, knowledge and experience shortages apply to a broad range of industries, businesses, and occupations in sectors as diverse as healthcare, construction, and clean energy.

Each apprenticeship meeting is designed to assist the public workforce and education systems to better understand these shortages and to aid businesses in becoming better acquainted with apprenticeship programs as one potential solution for this problem. These meetings will benefit employers (regardless of industry or union affiliation), Local Workforce Investment Boards and staff, and educators at all levels who are involved, or who could be involved in apprenticeship programs.

All apprenticeship meetings will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (including lunch), and will provide a comfortable, informative, and open discussion between the guests and expert presenters. The discussions will explore apprenticeship opportunities, both merit and union, and payoffs for employers, employees, and all Californians.

You can attend any of the following meetings by RSVP'ing the listed contact person.  Please go, ask questions, obtain information, and find answers about how an apprenticeship program can help your business meet its skilled worker needs.

Tuesday May 15, 2007
Mission College – 3000 Mission College Boulevard,  Telecommunications Building – Room TAV-130 (Between the Student Center building & the Library), Santa Clara, CA 95054
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – coffee & pastries)
Parking: Payment meter is in Lot D. (You will need $2 in quarters.) Then park in Lot A.
Contact Person: Esmeralda Bejies  (408) 855-5503, Sonia_mcbey@wvmccd.cc.ca.us
RSVP by: Tuesday, May 8 (close of business)

Thursday May 17, 2007
Shasta College – 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Shasta College Cafeteria Stage – 2000 Building, Redding CA 96049
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – coffee & pastries)
Parking: North Parking Lot – parking tickets will not be necessary
Contact Person: Brad Banghart (530) 225-4835, BBanghart@shastacollege.edu
RSVP by: Thursday, May 10 (close of business)

Monday May 21, 2007
Santiago Canyon College – 8045 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92869
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – coffee & pastries)
Parking: Parking lot is open.
Contact Person: Santiago Canyon College Career Education Division personnel (714) 628-4883
RSVP by: Monday, May 14 (noon)

Wednesday May 23, 2007
Bakersfield College  – Weill Institute of Bakersfield College, Forum 101, 2100 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (9:30 a.m. – coffee & pastries)
Parking: Available at the back of the building on L Street between 21st and 22nd streets. From the parking lot enter through the back double doors.
Contact Person: Kellie Westin (661) 336-5104, kvwesten@kccd.edu
RSVP: Wednesday May 16 (close of business)