The County of Los Angeles is on its way to becoming a high-road employer following today’s implementation of new employment pilot programs. The Board of Supervisors approved a motion, authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, to formalize a pilot program designed to hire people with barriers to employment.
“The County is a model for creating a pipeline to good, sustainable jobs for many residents,” said Supervisor Solis. “As a former Secretary of Labor, I am proud to create local jobs. Today’s motion is a crucial component for our overall mission of removing barriers and expanding entry-level jobs for people who need them the most. I will continue to work to create more supportive employment systems in order to ensure LA County remains a leader in inclusive and diverse employment.”
“LA County is the largest single employer in the region. That gives us a terrific opportunity to lead by example,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, co-author of the motion. “The Board of Supervisors is committed to increasing access to good-paying jobs among our residents who struggle to make ends meet, and these programs move us one important step in that direction.”
This new program will directly target economically disadvantaged areas of the County and establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Women in Non Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) to help facilitate a high-road training partnership for women seeking opportunities related to crafts and apprenticeship positions. In addition, today’s action directs the Chief Executive Office to collaborate with the Department of Human Resource to engage with diverse stakeholders within 30 days to inform how we reach out to economically underserved communities and to expand this program to other County departments.
“We all see our neighbors and fellow citizens who are struggling with homelessness, often due to loss or lack of employment,” said Steve Lytle, Director of the Salvation Army Bell Shelter. “County jobs are one way the County can help people become independent and establish a stable career path.”
The Worker Education Resource Center’s (WERC) report (“Workforce Development Strategies 2018”) provided a thorough analysis pointing to the need and opportunity for creating high road employment pilot programs within the County. Thirteen percent of County employees are projected to retire within five years; in some specific job classification groups; this number rises above 20%. Some entry-level classifications face a rate up to 29%. WERC’s research also identified certain positions lacking diversity and equity, thus requiring a more strategic and comprehensive approach to increasing access to jobs for people from economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color, and women.
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CONTACT: Michael Kapp, Communications Director, (213) 974-4111 or mkapp@bos.lacounty.gov
