Governor's team launches roadshow to advance California's career education master plan

In a pivotal meeting held on May 14, 2025, the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) Executive Committee gathered to discuss the implementation of the Master Plan for Career Education and the Jobs First initiative. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Kaina, a key figure in the discussions, outlined the next steps for integrating these initiatives into the state's workforce development strategy.

Kaina highlighted a recent presentation at WorkCon 2025, where the focus was on fostering collaboration between K-16 educational institutions and local industries. This collaboration aims to create a seamless transition for students into the workforce, emphasizing the importance of community colleges in this process. Kaina announced plans for a "roadshow" to visit 13 territories across California, engaging with local board directors and industry representatives to gather insights and advance regional plans.

The Master Plan, released on April 23, is seen as a cornerstone for enhancing skills-based hiring through the development of a "career passport." This tool is designed to help individuals showcase skills acquired outside traditional academic settings, thus broadening employment opportunities. Kaina stressed the importance of employer engagement in this initiative, noting that the effectiveness of the career passport hinges on its acceptance by employers.

The committee also discussed regional coordination efforts, supported by philanthropic contributions from the Boston Consulting Group. They identified three key regions—Gulf Far North, Inland Empire, and Los Angeles—where challenges such as fragmentation and differing regional boundaries have been prevalent. The goal is to realign these boundaries to facilitate better coordination among community colleges and local workforce boards.

As the meeting progressed, the committee addressed the need for a "no wrong door" approach, particularly for opportunity youth who often fall through the cracks of the workforce system. This initiative aims to ensure that all young individuals have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

In response to recent challenges, including the Los Angeles fires, the committee expressed a commitment to collaborate with local leaders to mobilize resources and support affected communities. Jorge Marquez, chair for LA County, is set to present at the next full board meeting, furthering the dialogue on how to assist those impacted.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Jobs First initiative, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional plans to ensure that workforce development efforts meet the specific needs of local industries. The committee is poised to leverage federal resources to support economic development projects, aiming to create thousands of jobs across the state.

As the CWDB moves forward, the focus remains on fostering collaboration, enhancing skills-based hiring, and ensuring that all Californians have access to the opportunities they need to thrive in the evolving job market. The upcoming roadshow and continued engagement with local stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the future of workforce development in California.