California’s Workforce Development System

The statewide workforce development system is comprised of 45 Local Workforce Development Areas (Local Area), each with its own business-led Local Workforce Development Board (Local Board). These Local Boards work in concert with their local Chief Elected Official oversee the delivery of workforce services relevant to their local residents and businesses. Critical to their charge is their oversight of the local America’s Job Centers of California which are the hub of the statewide service delivery vehicle for workforce/education/business services. Workforce funds allocated to Local Boards support the job training, placement, and business services delivered though the America’s Job Centers of California. These Centers, through partnerships with other local, state and federal agencies, education and economic development organizations provide access to job, skill development and business services vital to the social and economic well-being of their communities.

Each Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) has its own charter, organization, and unique context. What they all share, however, is a set of central roles. Each LWDB provides oversight for the Workforce Investment Act program, acts as a catalyst to provide seamless services among various workforce programs, and provides community leadership around workforce issues.