April 15, 2025
Library and Community Services
DATE: April 15, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager
Tamara Walker, Deputy Director of
Community Services, Employment and Training Division
Subject:
Accept and Appropriate $500,000 in Grant Funds from
the California Workforce Accelerator Fund 13.0.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Employment & Training Division’s revenue and expenditures will increase by $500,000. There is no net change to the budget.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The California Workforce Development Board –
Workforce Accelerator Fund 13.0 awarded the City of
Richmond’s Employment & Training Division a grant
totaling $500,000. The funds will provide occupational
skills training and certification in electrification for 50 Richmond residents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE $500,000 in grant funds
received from the California Workforce Development
Board - Workforce Accelerator Fund 13.0 to provide
occupational skills training and certification in
electrification for 50 Richmond residents – Community
Services Department (Tamara Walker 510-307-
8006/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
AGENDA
REPORT
April 15, 2025
DISCUSSION:
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), in partnership with the Employment Development Department (EDD), and collaboration with the California Jobs First, announced up to $2,700,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 (Accelerator 13) grant program.
Accelerator 13 focuses on workforce development projects that drive quality jobs for California workers. Successful applications will incorporate High Road principles into projects that improve job quality, create upward mobility, and bridge workforce programs to quality jobs for workers from disadvantaged or low-income communities.
The City of Richmond’s Employment and Training Division was awarded $500,000 in grant funds from CWDB for a program entitled, “Richmond Wired for Success.”
Richmond Wired for Success transforms our current electrification program from a 2- week course into a comprehensive semester-long experience. This expansion addresses the urgent demand for electricians in today’s job market while equipping participants for future industry trends. By emphasizing renewable energy technologies, the initiative fosters a more sustainable economy, ensuring our graduates possess the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving landscape.
The innovative approach to expanding the electrification program includes several key elements:
1. Focus on Renewable Energy: By specializing in renewable technologies, the program meets current job market demands and prepares participants for future trends, aligning with global efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources.
2. Integrated Curriculum: Combining traditional electrical skills with advanced topics like smart-home technology and energy efficiency creates a holistic learning experience.
3. Hands-On Learning with Industry Partners: Partnering with local businesses for internships and apprenticeships provides real-world experiences, enhancing learning and building connections that boost employability.
4. Community-Centric Outreach: Engaging underserved communities through tailored outreach initiatives makes the program more inclusive, opening doors for those who may not consider such careers.
5. Mentorship and Networking: Establishing a network of mentors from local unions and businesses fosters a supportive environment, allowing participants to gain skills and build professional relationships that can lead to job placements.
6. Sustainability Advocacy: Graduates are positioned as advocates for sustainability within their communities, promoting renewable energy practices and creating a ripple effect that encourages broader engagement in green initiatives.
April 15, 2025
7. Data-Driven Success Metrics: Implementing performance metrics to track participant progress and job placement rates allows for continuous improvement, ensuring the program evolves based on outcomes and feedback.
8. Empowerment and Leadership: Encouraging graduates to mentor future cohorts fosters a culture of empowerment and leadership, enhancing individual purpose and strengthening community ties.
This innovative approach equips 50 graduates from either RichmondBuild, YouthBuild, West Contra Costa Unified School District Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Trade Pathway or West Contra Costa Adult Education Pre-Apprenticeship Electrician Training Program with essential skills and ensures they are well-prepared for entry into the electrician apprenticeships. By integrating education, mentorship, and industry collaboration, the program stands out as a model for effective workforce development in the electrification field, ultimately transforming lives and communities.
POLICY SYNERGIES:
City Council Strategic Goal #2 - Increase Revenue and Improve Economic Development:
Ensures the program aligns with federal workforce development priorities, including job training, career pathways, and support services for underrepresented populations.
Supports vocational training, apprenticeships, and job training for high school juniors and seniors, aligning with City Council goals.
Aligns with state goals for equitable workforce access, especially for historically underserved communities.
Supports pathways from training to employment, reducing barriers for unemployed and underemployed individuals.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – CWDB Award Notice