Health Task Force

The East Bay’s growing demand for skilled health care talent has intensified longstanding workforce shortages across hospitals, clinics, and community-serving providers. EBLC’s Health Task Force will be joined by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County for a timely discussion on the role of workforce development in addressing these challenges. With key partners such as the Contra Costa Economic Partnership helping to drive this work forward, the conversation will examine the Healthcare Workforce Initiative in Contra Costa County, what makes these programs and investments most impactful, how they advance equity, and the opportunities for scaling this work with deeper employer engagement.

OUR SPEAKER

Jed Silver is a Program Manager at the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and has spent the past 20 years building innovative workforce programs that expand opportunity for those who need it most. His career includes leading biotech, solar, and low-voltage wiring training initiatives for Oakland’s Regional Technical Training Center and Oakland Private Industry Council, where he secured and braided Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Employment Training Panel (ETP) funds to ensure long-term sustainability. Since joining the Workforce Development Board in 2021, Jed has spearheaded the development of the county’s Health Initiative. Beginning with EMT training programs that offered direct job placement and robust academic and financial supports, the Initiative has expanded into a state- and federally-registered paramedic apprenticeship designed to help EMTs advance in their careers. To date, it has served more than 150 EMT participants, with 39 apprentices currently being paid to attend paramedic school. Recognized as a best-practice model, the Initiative has attracted over $4 million in new investments from High-Road Training Partnership (HRTP) and ETP to replicate, scale, and extend into occupations such as LVN, RN, and LCSW.

MEETING AGENDA

2:00 PM — Welcome and Introductions, Sharon Quesada-Jenkins
2:02 PM — Chair Update, Sharon Quesada-Jenkins
2:06 PM — Policy Director Update, Meg Stern
2:10 PM — Health Workforce Development Methods & Local Programs, Jed Silver
2:40 PM — Q&A, All
2:55 PM — Member Updates, All
3:00 PM — Adjourn, Sharon Quesada-Jenkins

The East Bay Leadership Council is an employer-led membership organization on a mission to improve the economy and quality of life in the East Bay through policy advocacy. Thank you for contributing to our work through your involvement in EBLC’s Health Task Force.