Adults & Dislocated Workers

 

GET AHEAD, GET ENROLLED!

Looking for your next opportunity or a fresh start after a layoff? Workforce Santa Cruz County can help you take the next step toward a stable, rewarding career.

If you’re 18 or older, you can access no-cost job search, training, and career services to help you build skills, explore new industries, and connect with local employers

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Adult and Dislocated Workers

Our Services

We offer personalized support to help you reach your goals.

  • Our services include:
  • One-on-one career coaching and job search assistance
  • Access to local job opportunities and employer connections
  • Guidance on training and certification programs
  • Funding assistance for eligible education and training
  • Resume, interview, and job application support
  • Help using CalJOBS, California’s online job search and career portal

Eligibility: Services are available at no cost to adults and laid-off workers who live or work in Santa Cruz County. Funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Who’s Eligible

You may qualify for the WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker Program if you meet the following criteria:

  • Adult Program:
  • You are 18 years or older
  • You are legally able to work in the U.S.
  • You live or work in Santa Cruz County
  • You may receive priority if you are a veteran, receive public assistance, are low-income, or face barriers to employment
  • Dislocated Worker Program:
  • You were laid off or terminated through no fault of your own
  • You are receiving or have exhausted unemployment benefits
  • You were self-employed but lost your business due to economic conditions or disaster
  • You are a displaced homemaker (previously unpaid for family work and no longer supported)

Not sure which program fits you? We’ll help you determine eligibility during your enrollment appointment.

For more information on how eligibility and priority are determined, review our Priority of Service Policy (PDF).

Priority of Service for Veterans

Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service for all WIOA programs. This means they receive first access to job referrals, training opportunities, and other services before non-covered persons when eligible and qualified.

Learn more about how we support veterans on our Veterans Services page or review our official Priority of Service Policy (PDF) for full details.

Success Stories

“I found a career through the WIOA OJT program that allows me to be curious, tenacious, and creative while solving puzzles and building new solutions to old problems. It’s the most satisfying thing I’ve found in 20 years of working.”
– Matthew, Data Scientist & former WIOA participant

“I highly recommend the WIOA program to anyone looking to further their education and improve their lives. My case manager helped me earn my medical assistant certification and supported me through hard times. My next goal is to become a nurse.”
– Yvette, Medical Assistant & former hairdresser

“I had the credentials and qualifications but lacked the funding to get my nursing degree, and I almost gave up my dream. But with the help of Goodwill Central Coast and WIOA funding, I became an RN after a year and a half. I am grateful for the opportunity and support the staff gave me throughout this journey.”
– Denise, Registered Nurse

“The Transitional Jobs program allowed me to set goals and improve my experience in the workplace. I am thankful that this program has given me the amazing opportunity to work at Hikari Farms part-time while attending university to get my bachelor’s degree.”
– Yuliana, Sueños program graduate

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the short form below and our team will contact you within two business days.

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