It used to be known simply as “the unemployment office.”  But now, the state’s Employment Development Department says its local offices have a new focus.
  
“If you’ve been laid off or you’re looking for a new job or career change, there’s a one-stop career center near you who can help you.”
 
The E.D.D.’s David Lyons says the centers work with local training agencies, companies and community groups to help match prospective employers with prospective employees. 
 
“In Sacramento, we’ve had a very good collaborative effort to train more nurses, and that has been done through a partnership that’s been between Employment Development, the Sacramento Employment (and) Training Agency, and then all of the big hospitals, which donated money and staff to add a new training facility.”
 
Lyons says his department started refocusing its community offices in the late 90’s … since unemployment payments are now handled over the phone or online.