Digital News Report – A $1 million grant from the state of California could help train public and private job seekers in Santa Cruz County. The money will go directly to the county Workforce Investment Board to train residents who have lost their job. The grant will also help in job placement.
The money will hopefully help 50 staff employees who were laid-off from UC Santa Cruz and the 101 classified employees from the Pajaro Valley School District. There have also been lay-offs at other schools and private employers.
The good news is that the unemployment rate dropped in California. Last week the Employment Development Department said that the rate dropped to 11.7 percent. It is still well above the national average of 9.1 percent.
The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz County was 11.4 percent in May. During the summer months employers typically ramp up their hiring.
The money, which comes directly from federal stimulus funds, should help teachers and other unemployed private and public employees. For help finding a job or with job training, contact the Workforce Investment Board Santa Cruz County.
By Mark Williams