FAQ's
What to expect from the virtual Skills for CA Summit?
This event will include programming over two half days, followed by virtual meetings with legislative offices. Virtual programming on May 16th and 17th will elevate and explore topics connected to the Skills for CA policy priorities, a comprehensive policy platform which was directly informed by the experience of organizations like yours. On May 18th, meetings with California Assembly and Senate offices will be held virtually, allowing for engaging and fruitful dialogue with Legislative offices regarding the Skills for CA policy agenda.
What is Skills for CA?
Skills for CA is a statewide network of organizations advancing workforce development policies that remove systemic barriers and promote an inclusive economy for all Californians.
In communities across California, people are striving to move into a good job and improve their economic circumstances. Meanwhile, businesses are looking for new ways to grow a skilled and diverse workforce in order to compete in a rapidly changing and increasingly global economy. California’s policy leaders have the chance to support people’s aspirations and boost business growth through inclusive workforce development policies.
What is on the agenda?
Here is the working agenda for the event:
Monday, May 16 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PST
Opening Remarks
Plenary A - Centering Worker Voice to Improve Job Quality and Worker Equity
Description: As California makes historic investments to rebuild an inclusive economy, it's imperative that policymakers look for solutions that can advance job quality and equity. Worker voice, especially the voices of workers of color, rural Californians, and workers in low wage jobs, can be central in designing solutions that increase pathways into quality jobs. Hear from a group of panelists about the innovative approaches and solutions that center worker voice to advance job quality and worker equity in the state.
Plenary B - Opening Doors for California’s Opportunity Youth
Description: The opportunity gaps that existed before the pandemic have only been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19 and will fall disproportionately on California’s opportunity youth. They face unique employment, education, and training barriers that often do not align with career system efforts that center adults. Join a group of panelists as they provide an updated snapshot of the circumstances California’s youth and young adults, the socio-economic and systemic barriers that oftentimes leave them disconnected from education and workforce training opportunities, and their policy recommendations for how to improve outcomes for young people in our state.
Closing Remarks
Tuesday, May 17 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PST
Opening Remarks
Plenary A- Advancing Economic Mobility in Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Description: California leads the nation in resettling the most refugees and nearly 27%, or 11 million, of our population is foreign born. While both populations are indispensable to our state’s economy, immigrants and refugees face distinct barriers and obstacles that hinder their pathways to success, whether it be workplace rights, quality employment opportunities offering a living wage, skills training, and more. Hear from a panel of experts as they highlight ways California can foster a more inclusive environment and increase accessibility and upward mobility for immigrants and refugees.
Plenary B - Creating Inclusive Career Pathways: Skills Training and Holistic Supports that Expand Opportunity
Description: Effective skills training and partnership models create inclusive career pathways. Building an inclusive economy requires a vast network of workforce stakeholders to function like a well-oiled machine, from community colleges, to trusted community-based organizations, and employers. In this panel, experts will explore the different opportunities for connection between industry stakeholders and how they are building partnerships to increase equity. Panelists will highlight various effective holistic skills training models being implemented in California. They will discuss integrated education and training for English language learners, CTE, earn and learn, apprenticeships, industry specific training that leads to good jobs, and other ways to increase economic mobility.
Closing Remarks
Legislative Visit Briefing - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PST
Wednesday, May 18
Capitol meetings
Virtual meetings will be scheduled for participants by Skills for CA staff
How do I participate in the legislative visits?
Skills for CA will schedule all legislative visits. Participants will be grouped into teams for the visits and each team will include a team lead and staff support. You will be provided with a briefing via zoom and materials prior to the visits. Any questions you may have will be answered during the briefing. Be sure to indicate that you will participate in legislative visits on the registration form.
Click the icon below to access the 2022 Skills for CA Policy Action Agenda.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is no fee to participate in the Skills for CA Summit, which is made possible by the generosity of philanthropic foundations.
What technology do I need to attend?
The only technology needed is an internet connection and a device to connect the event website. A URL link to access the program and other resources will be sent to all attendees ahead of the program. Live broadcast of the event will also be available through the event website.
If you are having trouble accessing the event, please reach out to Hayley Kaplan at hayleyk@nationalskillscoalition.org.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Hayley Kaplan at hayleyk@nationalskillscoalition.org.
Skills for CA is made possible through the generous financial support of
Tipping Point Community & The James Irvine Foundation