Workforce Santa Cruz County

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Workforce Santa Cruz County

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Find job openings, learn about training and skills development, and locate your nearest Career Center.

Use these powerful resources today to start achieving more!

10/20/2026

Preparing Our Regional Workforce for the Future

Technology is changing how we work and the skills employers need. The “Technology in the Workforce Summit” will bring together employers, educators, workforce professionals, government, and community partners to explore how our region can prepare for what comes next.

Hosted by Hartnell College and DART, the one-day summit will focus on emerging technologies and workforce needs in three key sectors:
• Agriculture
• Healthcare
• Advanced Air Mobility

Attendees will explore the technical skills, credentials, apprenticeships, and education and training pathways needed to prepare new workers and help current employees build skills for an evolving workplace. The day will also include keynote speakers, industry and workforce panels, breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with regional partners.

Thursday, October 29, 2026
8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
1 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901

Join workforce and industry leaders from across the region for a conversation about the technologies, skills, and career pathways shaping the future of work.

Learn more and register:
https://mbdart.org/workforcesummit/

Image source: DART

10/15/2026

Federal Funding Supports Watsonville Municipal Airport

Watsonville Municipal Airport is receiving $115,058 in federal funding to update markings on Runway 2/20 and support safe airport operations. The grant is part of nearly $109 million awarded to 51 California airports through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.

The airport serves the Pajaro Valley and supports a range of work, from aviation and maintenance to the businesses and services connected to airport operations. Investments in local infrastructure help sustain the places where that work happens.

Learn more about the funding announcement: https://ow.ly/PPBx50ZGgw4

Image source: https://pajaronian.com/watsonville-airport-receives-115k-federal-grant

10/12/2026

Thinking About Starting a Business in Santa Cruz County?

Turning an idea into a business comes with plenty of practical questions. The Santa Cruz SBDC’s free “Launch Santa Cruz” webinar will walk prospective business owners through the steps involved in getting started locally.

Join the session on Tuesday, October 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to learn about business structures, licenses and permits, tax documents, employee classification, insurance, and funding options. Local small business consultant Keith Holtaway will lead the discussion.

Learn more and register: https://www.santacruzsbdc.org/event/launch-santa-cruz-the-ultimate-small-business-quick-start/

10/09/2026

Office Closure: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Workforce Santa Cruz County’s Career Centers will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13.

You can explore job seeker and employer resources anytime at https://workforcescc.com/.

10/07/2026

Practical AI Skills for Small Businesses

Curious about ways AI could help with the work on your daily to-do list? The Santa Cruz SBDC is hosting “AI for Small Business: Practical Uses You Can Apply Now” on Tuesday, October 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This webinar will cover how to write useful prompts, draft emails and social posts, summarize information, and organize ideas into action steps. Participants will also learn tips for checking accuracy and protecting privacy when using AI.

Learn more and register: https://www.santacruzsbdc.org/event/ai-for-small-business-practical-uses-you-can-apply-now/

10/01/2026

Build Your Job Search Skills This October

Workforce Santa Cruz County offers workshops throughout the month to help you prepare for your next opportunity:
• Typing Certifications: Document your typing speed and accuracy for job applications.
• Resume Writing: Highlight your skills and experience and tailor your resume to the jobs you want.
• Job Corps Workshop: Learn about Job Corps and the opportunities it offers.
• Job Search Workshop: Find openings, present your experience, and organize your search.

Find dates, times, and workshop details on the Events Calendar: https://workforcescc.com/events/

09/24/2026

Access2Employment 2026 is bringing job seekers and employers together for one of Santa Cruz County’s largest hiring events.

Connect directly with dozens of employers, learn about current openings, and explore opportunities across a variety of industries and experience levels. Whether you are seeking an entry-level role, a professional position, an internship, or a volunteer opportunity, this event is designed to help you make meaningful career connections.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
4:00 PM–6:00 PM
The Grove
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz

Made possible by Workforce Santa Cruz County, Access2Employment helps strengthen the local workforce by creating valuable connections between employers and job seekers.

Register today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/job-fair-2026-tickets-1993629709127

Image Source: Access2Employment Santa Cruz

09/17/2026

Explore Careers in Public Service with the County of Santa Cruz

Workforce Santa Cruz County is pleased to share an upcoming free community workshop hosted by the County of Santa Cruz Human Resources team.

The Careers in Public Service workshop is a great opportunity for job seekers, those considering a career change, and anyone interested in learning more about public sector employment. Attendees will learn about County departments, explore a variety of career paths, and discover how a career in public service can make a meaningful impact in the community.

Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:00–6:00 PM
Community Room (Basement)
701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

The workshop is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

09/15/2026

Build a smarter approach to your job search with Workforce Santa Cruz County’s Job Search Workshop.

This session will help participants explore effective ways to find employment opportunities, showcase their skills to potential employers, and organize their job search with a clear, practical plan. Attendees will also have the chance to make connections and strengthen their professional network.

Friday, September 18, 2026
10:00 AM–11:30 AM
500 Westridge Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076

Reserve your spot by contacting the Watsonville Career Center:
(831) 763-8933
[email protected]

09/10/2026

Small business owners and entrepreneurs looking for funding options can learn more about micro-lending during an upcoming NorCal SBDC webinar.

Micro-Lending for Small Businesses will explore financing options that may be especially helpful for start-ups, home-based businesses, first-time entrepreneurs, and small businesses that may not be a good fit for traditional bank lending. Participants will learn how micro-lenders work, what types of funding may be available, and how these programs can help support new and growing businesses.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Online Webinar

Micro-lenders can offer a more flexible path to capital, with some programs providing funding ranging from smaller start-up loans to significantly larger amounts depending on the lender and program.

Learn more and register:
https://www.norcalsbdc.org/event/micro-lending-for-small-businesses-4/

Address

500 Westridge Drive
Watsonville, CA
95706

Telephone

+18317638700

Website

https://workforcescc.com/

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