Solano Workforce Board opens 30-day comment period on local and North Bay regional plans

The Solano County Workforce Development Board presented draft four-year local and North Bay regional workforce plans to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 28 and the supervisors opened the required 30-day public comment period.

Heather Henry, executive director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, said the regional plan covers Solano, Sonoma and partner areas and identifies the region's priority industries for the next four years: health care, manufacturing, public sector and transportation/logistics. Henry noted health care as the largest industry in Solano with nearly 30,000 jobs and wide wage variation across occupations.

Henry outlined five strategies in the local plan: modernized training (including micro-credentials and bootcamps), evolving career services tied to mental health and AI adaptation, employer-based training, a labor-market data hub and increased employer support for wraparound services. She described pilot programs funded with earlier ARPA investments and a new "Career Coach" tool for residents to explore occupations and training options.

Supervisors asked questions about RN degree programs, the inclusion of Vacaville and other cities in stakeholder engagement and how virtual reality headsets for career exploration will be deployed; Henry said the WDB will host a lending/check-out model, take equipment to resource fairs and post details online. The board opened and closed the public hearing and initiated the 30-day comment period.

During public comment Joe Joyce urged the board to consider senior employment programs during the 30-day period, saying older job seekers face particular barriers.

The Workforce Development Board will return with final plan materials after the public comment period.