NR No. 24-33
Contact: Loree Levy/Greg Lawson
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov
What You Need to Know: California is supporting technology workers in the Silicon Valley by investing in regional employment and job training services. The $950,000 grant will offer resources to assist local job seekers impacted by recent layoffs to find meaningful careers in industries poised for growth, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and evolving needs in information technology.
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announced it has awarded $950,000 to support technology workers throughout Silicon Valley impacted by restructuring efforts in the industry. The grant to NOVAworks, a nonprofit, federally-funded employment and training agency, will provide customized job search assistance, training, and other services to help hundreds of laid off workers realign their career paths with evolving technology needs.
“These services will help tech workers get back on their feet and into good jobs again,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “Through this funding award, NOVAworks will help the local workforce keep pace with ongoing tech industry advancements through skills training and professional development.”
Job seekers attend a LinkedIn learning and networking event at the LinkedIn Corporate Headquarters in Silicon Valley.
NOVAworks' career advisors will work with job seekers to identify where they are in the job search process, provide tailored support to help individuals clarify career goals, conduct local labor market research, and provide guidance on interview preparation.
"NOVAworks is thrilled to be able to serve tech workers who served our region well during the pandemic and have been laid off in recent course corrections in the industry,” said Executive Director of NOVAworks Marlena Sessions. “We will provide them with state-of-the-art resume assistance, interviewing skills, and networking; and can pay for skills training in their field if they need an update in coding and other technical skills."
NOVAworks will also provide supportive services including transportation assistance and the purchase of work-related equipment for job seekers.
This award is 100 percent federally funded by a grant award totaling $950,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information about NOVAworks and its programs, contact Director Marlena Sessions at 1-408-730-7837.
Job seekers attend a Life Science Career Expo hosted by Biocom and NOVAworks in South San Francisco.