Workforce Initiatives


Advanced Manufacturing

WIB Sector Strategies

Advanced Manufacturing represents goods-producing firms that utilize new approaches (i.e. APS, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, JIT) and technologies to maximize efficiencies and economic impacts.

County Employment: High Wage Potential

Among private sector employers in Tulare County, manufacturing ranks only slightly behind agriculture and health care in employment. It is generally accepted, however, that manufacturing offers higher salaries, particularly entry-level earnings, than many other sectors, while maintaining higher direct and indirect economic impacts.

According to EMSI, manufacturing accounted for approximately 11,400 jobs in Tulare County in 2009, with average annual earnings of more than $53,000, totaling more than $600 million. Additionally, the average annual manufacturing output in Tulare County is approximately $3.7 billion. Likewise, EMSI forecasts manufacturing jobs will increase 16% in Tulare County by 2019.

WIB Manufacturing Committee: Goals

  • Create countywide manufacturing organization
  • Improve outreach and marketing of WIB to manufacturers
  • Develop pre-apprentice/work-study program for maintenance mechanics incorporating more electrical training to adapt to new technologies
  • Organize quarterly manufacturing forums to discuss broader issues in manufacturing
  • Create career mapping/pathways for manufacturing jobs, including WorkKeys applications to existing jobs

WIB Manufacturing Committee: Accomplishments to Date

  • Initiated quarterly county-wide manufacturing forums
  • Initiated development of e-newsletter per committee recommendation
  • Studying feasibility of countywide manufacturing organization
  • Developed customized training plans for committee members
  • Developing multi-phase PLC training with local community colleges

WIB Manufacturing Committee: Members


Joe Hallmeyer
Ken’s Stakes and Supplies
Manufacturing Committee Chair

Dennis Cates
Beckman-Coulter

Charles Kendall
Butler Manufacturing

Rebecca Macias
Haagen-Dazs

Samuel Navarro
JM Eagle

Laura Burns
Kraft Foods

Martha McCurry
Ruiz Foods


Stephanie Thiessen
Saputo Cheese and Protein

John Zezulka
Serpa Packaging

Randy Baerg
Warren & Baerg Mfg.

Anthony Garcia
International Paper

Rob Pokelwaldt
Waterman Industries

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What's New

2012-2013 One-Stop RFP
The Workforce Investment Board is issuing a Request for Proposals for management and operations of the Tulare County One-Stop Centers. The RFP and all required attachments are available for download here.

The Enterprise Zone is LIVE!
The Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone was formally approved by the State of California, and Tulare County businesses can now take advantage of these incentives. Download a presentation outlining the program here.

WIB Seeking Local Small Manufacturers
The WIB is seeking small, local manufacturers interested in no-cost training for their employees. Training includes topics such as PLC, Leadership, Written Communication, and Industrial Painting.. Email us for more information.

 

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