California Workforce Association

California Workforce Association Stay up-to-date with the latest news from CWA by joining our distribution list!

The California Workforce Association is a nonprofit membership organization that develops public policy strategies and builds local capacity to address critical workforce issues across California. CWA represents Workforce Investment Boards who are responsible for developing local-based workforce strategies and solutions through a network of One-Stop Career Centers and other workforce partners. Our

membership composition mirrors the partnerships that Workforce Investments Boards create at the local level which include educational institutions, economic development professionals, chambers and business associations, and local nonprofits, government and community-based organization that have a vested interest in workforce excellence. Go here to join: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/ulX0Ntk/CWAdistributionlist

Every great structure needs a solid foundation. At  , our sponsors are the master architects helping us design a more eq...
04/09/2026

Every great structure needs a solid foundation. At , our sponsors are the master architects helping us design a more equitable and innovative workforce system. 🛠️

From Gold to Bronze, these partners are invested in the capacity building that makes the California workforce system a national leader.

Is your organization ready to help us finish the build? We still have select sponsorship tiers available for those who want to help shape the "Architecture of Opportunity." Claim your spot on the blueprint today!

Explore opportunities: [email protected]

Is your organization a first mover, or are you still in denial about the AI revolution? 🤖We are thrilled to welcome Rock...
03/16/2026

Is your organization a first mover, or are you still in denial about the AI revolution? 🤖

We are thrilled to welcome Rocky Ozaki to the stage at WORKCON 2026! As the Founder and CEO of The NoW of Work and a three-time tech startup founder, Rocky is a leading voice on how to build agile teams that don’t just survive disruption—they thrive in it.

Rocky doesn't just talk about the future; he helps you build it. He’ll be diving deep into The NoW of Work: Why the future is already here and how to pivot your strategy. Human-Centered AI: Moving beyond the hype to find real, scalable solutions. Breaking down the "AI Adoption" gap that's holding companies back. Get ready for a high-energy session jam-packed with practical insights you can implement the very next day.🎟️ Secure your spot for the future: www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

We are excited to unveil the official workshop lineup for WORKCON 2026, hosted by the California Workforce Association (...
03/13/2026

We are excited to unveil the official workshop lineup for WORKCON 2026, hosted by the California Workforce Association (CWA). Taking place April 28–30 at the Marriott Irvine, this year’s conference is dedicated to the purposeful design of workforce systems that meet the evolving needs of our communities.

As the economy shifts, our programs must be built—not by accident, but by design—to be resilient, inclusive, and effective.

The Workshop Experience
With over 60 deep-dive workshops spread across 6 intensive rounds, you can customize your learning journey around the pillars of modern workforce development:

-Modern Service Delivery: Innovative uses of WIOA and braided funding.
-Technology & Data: Leveraging AI and data-informed decision-making.
-Equity & Access: Building sustainable solutions for diverse populations.
-Employer-Driven Strategies: Strengthening cross-sector collaborations.

Why Attend?
WORKCON 2026 is the premier gathering for Workforce Development Boards, CBOs, educational institutions, and policymakers. It is more than a conference—it is a laboratory for the Architecture of Opportunity, where we bridge the gap between forward-thinking strategy and practical application.

www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

How do you lead when the ground is constantly shifting? 🌎We are thrilled to announce that Cecily Sommers—one of the Worl...
03/11/2026

How do you lead when the ground is constantly shifting? 🌎

We are thrilled to announce that Cecily Sommers—one of the World’s Top 50 Female Futurists—is joining us as a keynote speaker for WORKCON 2026!Cecily is the author of Think Like a Futurist and a renowned expert in "Change Literacy."

She has spent over 25 years helping global giants like Google and Salesforce decode disruption and turn uncertainty into a strategic advantage.

At WORKCON, she’ll help us move past just "surviving" change so we can start leading it. Stay tuned for more details on her session!🎟️ Register now at www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

The biggest stage in California workforce development just got bigger. 🏔️💼We are proud to announce a landmark addition t...
03/10/2026

The biggest stage in California workforce development just got bigger. 🏔️💼

We are proud to announce a landmark addition to the WORKCON 2026 program: “Jobs, Skills & California’s Future: The Candidates Speak.”

This exclusive Gubernatorial Candidate Forum will take place during our Wednesday Lunch Plenary in Irvine. As the primary draws near, we’ve invited the leading candidates for Governor to step onto our stage to discuss the issues that matter most to you:

🔹 Investing in California’s workers
🔹 Closing the skills gap in key industries
🔹 Navigating the impact of AI on the labor market

WORKCON has always been the premier gathering for workforce leaders, but this year, it’s where the next Governor will hear our community's voice. This isn't just a session; it’s a chance to see the future of state policy being shaped in real-time.

Don't just read about the headlines, be in the room when they happen.

🎟️ Registration for WORKCON 2026 is open now. Secure your spot for the full conference and this can't-miss plenary session at www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

Are you ready to showcase your solutions to the leaders shaping the future of work? Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunit...
03/02/2026

Are you ready to showcase your solutions to the leaders shaping the future of work? Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for WORKCON 2026 are now open!

Joining us at the Marriott Irvine from April 28–30 puts your organization directly in front of:
-Local Workforce Development Boards
-CBOs and Educational Partners
-Adult and Youth Practitioners from across the state
-And more!

The Practical Benefits:
Direct Access - Network with hundreds of key decision-makers in our dedicated Exhibit Hall.
Brand Visibility - Gain recognition in our digital and print materials, including the Official WORKCON 2026 app.
Inclusive Value- Exhibitor packages include two (2) full conference registration to ensure you’re part of the conversation, not just behind a table.

Secure your "blueprint" for success today. Booth space is limited and historically fills up fast!

Build with us: https://www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

Join us in Irvine for WORKCON 2026!The blueprints are drawn, the site is prepped, and the doors are officially open for ...
02/24/2026

Join us in Irvine for WORKCON 2026!

The blueprints are drawn, the site is prepped, and the doors are officially open for registration. Join the California Workforce Association this April in Irvine for the premier gathering of California’s workforce ecosystem.

From Adult and Youth providers to Local Boards and CBOs, this is where we build the capacity to move our state forward. Don’t miss your chance to access:

- Dozens of professional workshops tailored to your mission.
- An expansive Exhibit Hall featuring the latest workforce tools.
- Unrivaled networking with the architects of California’s economy.

When: April 28–30, 2026
Where: Marriott Irvine, CA

Secure your spot today: https://www.calworkforce.org/annual-conferences

🚨 Exhibitor Tables for WORKCON 2026 are now available — and space is limited! 🚨Join the California Workforce Association...
02/12/2026

🚨 Exhibitor Tables for WORKCON 2026 are now available — and space is limited! 🚨

Join the California Workforce Association at WORKCON 2026 on April 28–30 in Irvine, CA and connect face-to-face with workforce development leaders, education and training partners, community-based organizations, and workforce practitioners from across California.

An exhibit table is a great way to:
✅ Showcase your programs, services, and solutions
✅ Build relationships with workforce boards and partners statewide
✅ Generate leads and increase visibility with attendees all conference long

If your organization supports job seekers, employers, training, education, or workforce innovation — you belong in the exhibit hall.

👉 Reserve your exhibit table today! Email us at [email protected]

📣 Great news! The call for workshop proposals for WORKCON 2026: Innovation by Design — The Architecture of Opportunity h...
02/10/2026

📣 Great news! The call for workshop proposals for WORKCON 2026: Innovation by Design — The Architecture of Opportunity has been extended to Thursday, Feb. 12! Whether you’re leading workforce innovation, designing impactful programs, or advancing equitable solutions — we want to hear from you.

🗓️ Submit your proposal today: https://www.calworkforce.org/workconproposals

Breaking Down Silos: The Future of Youth Apprenticeship in CaliforniaWhat an incredible day in Sacramento! We just wrapp...
01/23/2026

Breaking Down Silos: The Future of Youth Apprenticeship in California

What an incredible day in Sacramento! We just wrapped up the California Youth Apprenticeship Summit, and the energy in the room was electric. We are no longer just talking about the “mismatch” between school and work—we are actively implementing the blueprint to fix it.

A Unified Vision for California’s Youth
Led by California Workforce Association (CWA), and our partners at CareerWise USA, we explored how to turn 18 targeted recommendations into a reality for students.

Legislative Leadership in Action
A huge thank you to our legislative champions who joined us today and are driving this vision forward:
-Senator Pérez (Author of SB 845)
-Assembly Member Fong (Author of AB 805)

These bills are the engines that will codify the Career Apprenticeship Bridge (CAB), ensuring that "earning while learning" is a prestigious, first-choice pathway for every Californian.

Honoring Our Agency & Education Leaders
We also want to recognize the key leaders whose collaboration is critical to "breaking down silos" between labor and education:
-Adele Burnes, Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).
-Allison Frenzel, Mindi Parsons, and the team from the California Department of Education (CDE).
-Tony Cordova from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO).
-Abby Snay from the Labor & Workforce Development Agency and our other amazing panelists!

The Power of Partnership :handshake:
This summit wouldn’t have been possible without our core collaborators:
CareerWise USA, NextGen California, and Jobs for the Future (JFF).

CALL TO ACTION
We have the blueprint. Now, we need your voice.
Support the Legislation: Sign the Letter of Support for SB 845
Sign Here: https://zurl.co/UXuQq

Let’s bridge the gap together and make apprenticeship a first-choice pathway for every student in California!

🎉 WorkCon 2026 is officially OPEN! 🎉We’re excited to announce that registration for WorkCon 2026 is now LIVE! Join workf...
01/15/2026

🎉 WorkCon 2026 is officially OPEN! 🎉

We’re excited to announce that registration for WorkCon 2026 is now LIVE! Join workforce professionals, partners, and innovators from across the country at this one-of-a-kind gathering focused on collaboration, capacity building, and the future of workforce development. 💼🤝🌟

📅 Tuesday, April 28– Thursday, April 30, 2026
📍 Marriott Irvine, Irvine, CA
📌 Theme: Innovation by Design: The Architecture of Opportunity
🔗 Learn more & register here: https://zurl.co/sTnH9

📣 Call for Proposals is Open!
Got insights, strategies, or best practices to share? We want to hear from you! Submit your workshop presentation proposals and be part of shaping the conversation at WorkCon 2026. Visit www.calworkforce.org/workconproposals

📅 Proposal deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026

🤝 Sponsor or Exhibit
Showcase your organization with workforce leaders and decision-makers! A variety of sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are available — perfect for organizations looking to expand their reach and impact within the workforce community.

Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, present, or elevate your brand in the workforce ecosystem — WorkCon 2026 is the place to be. Secure your spot, submit your proposal, or join as a sponsor today! 🚀

California is at a turning point for youth apprenticeship.After months of research and collaboration, the California You...
01/06/2026

California is at a turning point for youth apprenticeship.

After months of research and collaboration, the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee has finalized a roadmap for a cohesive, scalable system that better serves both in-school and opportunity youth. Now, the work moves from recommendations to real-world implementation.

Join the California Workforce Association, alongside Jobs for the Future, CareerWise, and NextGen California, for a Youth Apprenticeship Summit focused on breaking down silos and operationalizing this new framework.

This convening will bring together education, workforce, and policy leaders to explore how we align K–12, community colleges, and workforce systems to expand access to high-quality youth apprenticeship opportunities across California. The agenda includes insights from a youth apprentice and employer partner, a practical deep dive into key committee recommendations, and updates on legislative and system alignment shaping the future of this work.

📍 Wednesday, January 21, 2026
📍 Department of Health Care Services & Department of Public Health
1500 Capitol Ave., Bldg 172, Sacramento (Auditorium)
🕘 CYAC Final Committee Meeting: 9:00–11:00 AM *this meeting is noticed separately by DAS
🕚 Youth Apprenticeship Summit: 11:15 AM–1:15 PM

Reserve your spot through the link in our bio!

If you’re invested in the future of workforce development, education, and equitable career pathways for young people, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Address

925 Del Paso Boulevard
Sacramento, CA
95815

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