Concord Chamber partners with MDUSD to train future workforce

CONCORD, CA (Mar. 28, 2022) — Workforce readiness is important to the Concord Chamber of Commerce, and we believe it is essential to invest in our future workforce to prepare them to become successful employees and leaders.

Since 1997, the chamber has partnered with Mt. Diablo Unified School District to provide a variety of programs to bring together the business community with educators.

One program the chamber co-sponsors is BEST Day – Business and Educators Shadowing for Tomorrow. This is a half-day program providing job-shadowing opportunities for teachers in a variety of industries.

This year, the chamber hosted three teachers – two in the digital media pathway and one in the International Hospitality and Tourism Academy – and one work-based learning coordinator. Chamber staff shared an overview of how it helps the business community and how the chamber has shifted to accommodate modern needs.

The group visited Sunvalley Shopping Center, where they were greeted by the management team of general manager Luther Daniel, operations manager Ruby Grover, facilities manager Scott Chavez and property coordinator Wendy Grant. After a tour of the shopping center, the team member talked about their roles, and also how important teamwork and communication are to keep the center functional and a safe place for customers to enjoy.

At the Hilton Concord, the group learned more about hospitality and how a hotel operates. Yuriko Kawaguchi, director of sales and marketing, and April De La O, human resources/accounting generalist, provided an overview of various positions at the hotel – from front desk staff to management to housekeeping. Key characteristics hotels look for in employees are personality and customer service skills, both important to create the best experience for guests.

After shadowing for a few hours, the educators and chamber staff reconvened with the rest of the teachers to share everyone’s experiences. Common themes across industries included personality and having a go-getter attitude, and how soft skills are equally as important as technical knowledge for many industries.

It is enlightening to see businesses and educators coming together to ensure our future workforce is properly trained and can become successful leaders in our community and beyond.

For more information regarding the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, please call 925-685-1181, visit www.concordchamber.com or stop by the office at 2280 Diamond Blvd., Suite 200 in Concord.