Waterfront Careers Training Program

The East Bay’s returning home (re-entry) population is estimated to be around 15,600 individuals with over two-thirds (68%) residing in Alameda County and about a third (32%) residing in Contra Costa County. Approximately 35% (1,750) of the justice involved population in Contra Costa County reside in Richmond and west county. It is estimated that 1 in 5 residents in the Bay Area have been involved with the justice system. Across the region, minorities make up a disproportionate share of the justice-involved population-African Americans represent about 40% of the region’s probation population, followed by Latinos at about 23%- and also experience higher rates of unemployment, poverty, health disparities and homelessness.

 

Training for jobs in the maritime industry  serves as a good career pathway for many of the justice involved population and also provides a steady source of trained and qualified job applicants for Bay Area employers.  Maritime employers have expressed a strong interest in employing returning citizens provided they possess the required skills.  This population has demonstrated the ability to excel in the trades involving manual and physical work and they work well in teams or independently.  Returning citizens seek the opportunity to be gainfully employed and take pride in being contributing members of their communities.

Based on best practices and a variety of qualitative data collection, the following strategies/services delivered in an interconnected and coordinated way have proved effective in transitioning returning citizens to family-sustaining jobs and careers. Those strategies/services include (1) training and work experience; (2) wrap-around and supportive services; and (3) increased coordination among Parole and Probation, community college, community-based organizations (CBOs), reentry employers, and other workforce development partners. These three effective strategies will be at the core of the Waterfront Careers Training program.

 

Training & Work Experience:

Waterfront Careers training will include a comprehensive curriculum comprised of two components: (1) an industry-recognized training and certification and (2) extensive hands-on work experience in all aspects of boat repair & maintenance.  Several training partners have been identified to provide then industry-recognized training and certification.  They include Contra Costa College, County Office of Education and West County Adult Education.  The training will take place at a selected shop/facility located on the Richmond waterfront and will provide easy access for program participants.  The training program will offer a robust hands-on work experience component through commitments with industry employers and Advisory Board members.

 

Support Services & Coordinating with Community Partners:

Staff will work with community partners to access counseling and coaching services, and referrals to supportive services (transportation, housing…) to ensure program participants have access to an array of resources required for their success.  The list of potential community partners is listed below.