Connecting Employers and Retaining Talent in Our Region

Last week, the Chamber hosted another Tech Roundtable, bringing together employers and industry leaders from the tech and manufacturing sectors. The event focused on connecting employers with valuable resources to support talent development, improve workforce retention, and address ongoing workforce challenges.

A highlight of the event was a presentation by the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, which shared insights into their efforts to provide workforce resources to job seekers and collaborate with employers through initiatives such as Rapid Response & Layoff Aversion, On-the-Job Training, and Paid Work Experience. These programs are designed to support employers during transitional periods and help retain talent in the region.

More importantly, the roundtable fostered the creation of a collaborative ecosystem, where employers actively hiring could connect with those experiencing layoffs or downsizing. By facilitating these connections, the Chamber is working to ensure that skilled tech and manufacturing talent remains in our region.