NOVAworks

04/10/2025

Recently, Mission College, NOVAworks, and work2future Foundation hosted a special networking dinner connecting 24 Mechatronics students with cutting-edge employers in advanced manufacturing. Industry leaders from Applied Materials, Western Digital, Cisco, Onto Innovation, and TDK attended.

This collaboration is part of an ongoing effort to highlight exciting career pathways in one of the Bay Area’s high-demand fields. Through this program, graduates gain access to training, internships and full-time job placement assistance in advanced manufacturing.

Ready to launch your career in Mechatronics? Learn more about the program:
👉 https://missioncollege.edu/depts/engineering/mtt/

03/26/2025

If you’re a federal worker impacted by a furlough or government shutdown—you may qualify for unemployment benefits. The EDD has resources to guide you through the process: https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/unemployment-benefits-for-federal-workers/

NOVAworks also offers personalized career support, including job search assistance, resume reviews, and connections to new opportunities.

Learn more about our services by email: [email protected], or call: 408-730-7232.

03/21/2025

Thank you to our 22 regional partners for making this week's quarterly Stakeholder Meeting a success! We shared resources, made new connections, and strengthened collaboration to benefit the region. A special thank you to Lisa Mena for an insightful presentation on Mental Health First Aid.

It was great to experience the face-to-face engagement in the room! Fremont Union High School District - The Salvation Army San Francisco - La Costa Adult School - Palo Alto Unified School District - San Jose Public Library - Kingdom Love, LLC - Ucsc Silicon Valley Extension - San Mateo Union High School District - Momentum for Health - San Jose - Center for Employment Training - Foothill College - De Anza College - Sequoia Union High School District - NPower - City of Redwood City - Metropolitan Education District

03/19/2025

Yesterday, NOVAworks’ Director, Marléna Sessions, had the incredible opportunity to visit Bubb Elementary for the students’ Lunch and Learn in honor of Women’s History Month. She joined other female professionals to share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the inspiring women who paved the way before them.

Speaking to students from kindergarten through fifth grade, Marléna was inspired by how intently they listened and the thoughtful discussions they sparked. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and big dreams gave her renewed hope for the future of our workforce. When the children asked how people can work together to promote solidarity and equality, her answer was simple but powerful—"Be kind."

Thank you to Principal Jane Jung, and fellow presenters! Of all the meaningful work Marléna is called to every day, this visit was the highlight of her year. The Bubb Cubs reminded us all that the future is full of possibility, and with their passion and imagination, anything is possible.

Mountain View Whisman School District

03/11/2025

Ready to design your future career? Our Silicon Valley: Build Your Future career hub is a dynamic platform designed to help young adults explore local industries, learn from professionals, and connect with resources to build a meaningful career path.

With the Build Your Future career hub, you can:

✔️ Discover career pathways in industries like tech, trades, life sciences, public service, and more
✔️ Learn from real professionals as they share their career journeys, challenges, and insights
✔️ Access local resources for training, education, and career development
✔️ Engage with activity guides to map out your career goals and next steps
✔️ Watch the "Paths Across Silicon Valley" series to see career possibilities come to life

Whether you're just starting out or considering a new direction, this platform offers the tools and inspiration to navigate your future with confidence.

Explore the hub and start shaping your path: https://roadtripnation.com/workforce/silicon-valley

Roadtrip Nation

Build Your Future | Silicon Valley

Explore local career opportunities—and get the tools and guidance you need to start building your future in Silicon Valley.

02/25/2025

At NOVAworks, we are redefining workforce development through bold, community-driven initiatives like the Stanford Liaison pilot.

This initiative embedded a NOVAworks workforce navigator within Stanford University. With place-based, personalized career navigation, we connected nearby residents from cities such as East Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Menlo Park to meaningful career pathways with a high-road employer — breaking down barriers to employment and fostering equitable access to opportunities. Through efforts like this, we are helping pave the way for systemic change in hiring practices and expanded career access across the region.

When communities and anchor institutions grow together, they create lasting pathways to opportunity. By building strong partnerships, advocating for inclusive practices, and scaling successful strategies, we are helping to shape a workforce system that uplifts everyone.

Learn more about our work on this initiative: https://novaworkslaunchlab.org/2025/02/19/stanford-liaison-unlocking-opportunities-for-local-communities/

02/10/2025

Last week, NOVAworks joined industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered at Western Digital Corporate Headquarters for the US Center for Advanced Manufacturing's February Strategic Session. The focus? Bridging global insights into U.S. manufacturing innovation.

The future of U.S. manufacturing depends on strategic collaboration. NOVAworks’ Christopher Bernhardt was proud to share how our workforce partnership with Western Digital is working to upskill, re-skill and develop pipelines to satisfy talent needs for sustainable industry growth. Thanks to Cary Chien for steering the insightful conversation!

02/04/2025

NOVAworks’ JobConnector is a free hiring resource for Bay Area employers. This platform streamlines recruitment with real-time skills-based candidate matching to connect you with the talent you need. This service is completely free for both employers and job seekers.

With a Job Connector employer account, NOVAworks staff will work alongside you to:

➤ Optimize your job posts and increase visibility as a featured employer

➤ Handle candidate outreach and pre-screening based on your position requirements

➤ Ensure candidates are prepared to showcase their talents at interviews

Our investment in this platform reflects our commitment to supporting regional employers and helping them access a skilled workforce.

To learn more, contact the NOVAworks Business Services Team at [email protected] or call (408) 730-7232.

Let us help you build a strong and skilled workforce.

01/31/2025

NOVAworks is proud to partner with Fremont Union High School District and the City of Sunnyvale, California (Government) for the Sunnyvale Teen Wellness Fair this Saturday. Schools throughout the district will share resources to promote teens’ positive mental health and wellbeing.

Employers like Urban Plates, Golf Land, and CSA of Mountain View will be there to share summer job opportunities for teens, while volunteer organizations such as the Sunnyvale Heritage Museum and Sunnyvale Explorers Program will highlight ways for teens to give back to the community.

Stop by the NOVAworks table to get information about our NOVAworks Young Adult Program and paid internship opportunities! We’ll also offer a 15-minute free workshop at the event: First Impressions Count: How to Nail Your Intro, teaching teens how to stand out and make meaningful connections.

What: Sunnyvale Teen Wellness Fair
When: Saturday, Feb. 1, Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Sunnyvale City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave
Workshop Times: 1:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

This event is a wonderful example of community collaboration, bringing together schools, employers, and organizations to help teens thrive. We hope to see you there!

01/29/2025

NOVAworks hosted 14,933 workshop participants in 2024. That’s a lot of resumes customized, interview tips shared, and career wins unlocked!

We make learning accessible by meeting people where they are — at businesses, libraries, our local offices, and of course, virtually. Our 25 free workshops guide job seekers through every step of the job search process, from finding their focus to nailing the interview.

The content is always fresh, crafted with real-world insights from employers and job seekers to deliver strategies that work in today’s evolving job market.

Looking for support as you level up or start a new career in a high-growth industry? Let us help you turn career possibilities into job opportunities!

📝 We’re curious — what strategies have been the game-changer in your job search?

01/22/2025

At NOVAworks, we’re dedicated to empowering businesses in our region by offering impactful tools and resources—all at no cost to you. We have invested in HR services designed to address your most pressing needs. Ask your specific HR questions through our HR Hotline (888-642-0084) or stay informed by attending our quarterly webinars on critical HR topics.

Next Week: Our January 28 webinar will help you stay on top of 2025 labor law changes. Our HR experts will break down the new laws and provide actionable steps you can take to keep your workplace compliant.

When: Tuesday, January 28 (10 to 11 a.m.)
Register: https://www.employers.org/events/private-webinars/2025-labor-law-update-sponsored-by-novaworks/01/28/2025/

Explore additional NOVAworks business resources: https://novaworks.org/business-services

California Employers Association

01/17/2025

Yesterday, we had the privilege of speaking with LinkedIn staff after their global town-hall meeting, where 2000 employees gathered to review company strategy and highlight their . We were honored to host a table showcasing NOVAworks’ mission and the meaningful work we do to support the Bay Peninsula region. LinkedIn has been a steadfast partner, providing a variety of resources and learning opportunities to NOVAworks and other area organizations that have helped empower the region's residents to achieve thriving careers.

Partnerships like this fuel our ability to make a lasting impact, and we’re excited about the possibilities ahead!

A special thank you to Kavell B. and the Social Impact team for inviting NOVAworks to highlight our services for your staff!