September is National Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the importance of education, training, career advancement, and strong connections between workers and employers. The observance started in 2005 and formally designated by the U.S. Senate in 2019, when Senate Resolution 304 designated September as National Workforce Development Month and recognized workforce development as critical to supporting workers and growing the economy. The effort grew from a bipartisan recognition that effective workforce development requires collaboration among businesses, education and training providers, community organizations, government agencies, and workforce development boards.
For Santa Barbara County, Workforce Development Month provides an opportunity to recognize the work of the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (SBCWDB) and the many businesses, educators, community organizations, workforce partners, and public agencies that make our local workforce system possible. SBCWDB is a public-private partnership created under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and serves as a strategic leader in connecting people and businesses to workforce opportunities throughout the county. This September, SBCWDB will celebrate the people and partnerships that help residents build careers, help businesses develop talent, and strengthen the economic future of Santa Barbara County. Together. Transform. Thrive.