Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County

10/30/2026

HR Questions? We've Got a Resource for You!

Managing employees comes with challenges, but you don't have to navigate them alone!

Through our partnership with the California Employers Association, Tulare County employers have access to a FREE HR Hotline that connects them with experienced HR professionals who can provide guidance on workplace challenges, employment laws, hiring practices, employee relations, and more.

Whether you're a small business without a dedicated HR department or an experienced manager looking for guidance, this valuable resource is available to help you make informed decisions.

Call 888-563-2373 to connect with an HR professional at no cost!

10/28/2026

Workforce Wednesday: From Training to Career Success!

This week, we're celebrating Ashley Sapien, one of our 2026 INNOVATOR by Design Award recipients!

Ashley was working toward completing her Medical Assistant program at Porterville Adult School when she faced a financial barrier that threatened to put her career goals on hold.

With support from the youth@work and Employment Connection teams, Ashley received a training scholarship to cover her program fees, helping her take that important next step toward her future.

Today, Ashley is working as a Medical Assistant at Family HealthCare Network!

Ashley's story is a great reminder of why access to workforce services matters. Sometimes, a little extra support at the right time can make all the difference in helping someone reach their goals.

🎥 Watch Ashley's story and join us in celebrating her success!

10/27/2026

The Tulare-Kings Industrial Partnership (TKIP) recently brought together local employers, education partners, and workforce professionals to discuss the skills, training, and career opportunities needed to support our region's industrial workforce.

Here are a few highlights from the meeting:

- Industrial Maintenance Training: The new Exeter Industrial Maintenance Program is underway with 27 students gaining industry certifications and developing technical skills in motor controls, with robotics training planned.

- Connecting Education & Industry: Employers identified specialized training needs and discussed ways to introduce students to industrial careers through facility tours, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.

- Strengthening Career Pathways: Partners explored opportunities to better connect training graduates with local employers and develop resources that help job seekers learn about industrial careers.

- Expanding Regional Collaboration: Through the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership initiative, industry members are helping shape how similar partnerships can support workforce development across the region.

Thank you to our industry partners for sharing their expertise and helping guide workforce training investments that respond to real employer needs!

10/27/2026

Despite a little challenging weather, the 2026 Trades Day event at the Porterville Fairgrounds was a tremendous success!

WIB staff were excited to join nearly 1,000 students and 50 exhibitors for a day dedicated to exploring careers in the skilled trades. Events like Trades Day give young people an opportunity to discover career options, connect with industry professionals, and learn about the skills needed to succeed in these fields.

👏 A huge thank you to the businesses, exhibitors, and volunteers who generously shared their time, knowledge, and experiences with students. Your willingness to engage with the next generation helps students see the many career pathways available right here in our region.

💙 We're proud to be part of an event that connects education with industry and helps young people imagine what's possible for their futures!

Read more at:
https://www.recorderonline.com/gallery/students-get-a-chance-to-check-out-various-trades/article_3485a678-6a66-4f2c-a88c-aabb568bb449.html

10/26/2026

2025–2026 Workforce Development: A Year at a Glance!

Every number represents an opportunity to connect people with the resources, skills, and support they need to move forward.

Throughout the 2025–2026 program year, the Workforce Investment Board and our workforce partners worked to expand access to employment and training services, support career pathways, and help Tulare County residents prepare for their futures.

Through Employment Connection and youth@work, we saw:

✅ 46,969 visits to Employment Connection Centers
✅ 2,080 adults and dislocated workers enrolled in WIOA services
✅ 551 youth and young adults enrolled in WIOA Youth Services
✅ 188 young people gained valuable work experience

These numbers are just part of the story. Behind them are individuals exploring new careers, building skills, gaining experience, and taking steps toward their goals.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll highlight our investments in workforce training and the services supporting local businesses.

10/26/2026

What does it take to build a stronger workforce in Tulare County? It starts with listening.

At the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, we believe that creating meaningful career opportunities and helping local businesses succeed go hand in hand.

We listen to job seekers to understand their goals, the challenges they face, and the support they need to find meaningful employment.

We listen to employers to understand the skills they need, the challenges they're facing, and what it takes to build a strong workforce.

Then, we bring workforce, education, training, and community partners together to help bridge the gap between the two. 🤝

🎥 In our latest video, hear from our Executive Director and Board Chair about how the WIB is connecting people, businesses, and resources to create opportunities throughout Tulare County.

Because when job seekers have the skills they need and businesses have access to qualified talent, our entire community benefits.

▶️ Watch the video to learn more about who we are, what we do, and why our work matters!

10/26/2026

Connecting People. Building Skills. Creating Opportunities.

Ever wonder what the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County actually does?

Here's the heart of our work:

👥 We listen to job seekers to understand their goals and challenges.

🏭 We listen to employers to understand the skills and talent they need.

🤝 We bring local partners together to help connect people with training, resources, and career opportunities.

Our goal? Bridge the gap between job seekers and employers to build a stronger workforce in Tulare County.

🎥 Hear from our Executive Director and Board Chair in our newest video and discover how we're working to create opportunities for people and businesses across our community!

10/25/2026

The equipment Avila is training on is part of the Amatrol Smart Controls Troubleshooting Learning System, which the college recently added through a $100,000 Good Jobs Challenge investment from the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County.

Industrial Automation Instructor James Rooney said the technology gives students experience with systems they'll likely encounter in the workforce.

A major investment in technology at Lemoore College is helping students gain hands-on experience with the same equipment used in modern manufacturing facilities, preparing them for careers in one of the region's growing industries.

10/25/2026

ACE Day Relaunch: A Look Back!

Ag Career Exploration (ACE) Day returned on Thursday, September 24, at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, connecting high school students with career opportunities across the agricultural industry.

The event brought together 362 students and nearly 100 industry and educational partners for a day of hands-on experiences, career exploration, and direct connections with professionals working across the agriculture sector.

We had 24 distinct pathway programs represented at ACE Day. Students explored regenerative agriculture, water policy, dairy technology, citrus production, and agricultural innovation. Through hands-on experiences and industry connections, they discovered how science, technology, and business intersect across agriculture and the many career opportunities available.

ACE Day was made possible through the support of our TKASP partners, industry presenters, educators, exhibitors, and volunteers, who helped students discover new possibilities and connect their interests to future careers.

Watch the recap video: https://canva.link/4fk5ok8yiyy95bg

Explore the photo gallery: https://reemahammadphotography.pixieset.com/aceday2026/

10/24/2026

We were proud to welcome Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling to Tulare County this week to tour local businesses and learn about the needs of our employers.