EDD Highlights Workforce Resources and Career Opportunities for Californians this Labor Day

SACRAMENTO, Sept 3 — As California’s workforce continues to evolve, the Employment Development Department (EDD) is connecting job seekers and employers with career opportunities, workforce resources and information to help them navigate an always changing job market. This Labor Day, EDD is spotlighting Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities, featuring the top 5 in-demand jobs in each region of the state, along with career tools, workforce programs, hiring support, labor market information, and stories from customers who have used EDD programs and support to develop their careers.

“California’s workforce is constantly changing, and Californians need clear, accessible tools to help them find work, build skills and connect with employers,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “Through our workforce partners, programs, and modernization efforts, EDD is helping people navigate through those changes and build stronger careers and communities.”

What You Need to Know: This Labor Day, the Employment Development Department is highlighting resources to help Californians navigate an always changing workforce. California had 18.1 million nonfarm jobs in July 2026, Over the past year, CA accounted for 36% of all new jobs created across the United States, far outpacing the state’s 11.5 % share of the nation’s labor force. EDD’s Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities webpage highlights in-demand jobs and connects job seekers and employers with career tools, workforce programs, labor market information and real stories of Californians getting the support they need in moving forward in their careers – including broadcast-quality videos. EDD is also modernizing services to make it easier for customers to apply for benefits, get answers, manage claims and access support online.

EDD’s Labor Day feature provides a snapshot at the state’s changing job market. In July 2026, the state had 18.1 million nonfarm jobs across 11 major industry sectors, from health care and social assistance to professional and business services. Over the past year, Over the past year, CA accounted for 36% of all new jobs created across the United States, far outpacing the state’s 11.5 % share of the nation’s labor force

The feature page also highlights the top job opportunities in California, as well as across all 15 regions in the state. Job seekers can use the information to explore career options and openings in their communities, while employers can connect with resources to support hiring and workforce needs.

Connecting Californians to Opportunity
For Californians like Gilberto Cruz, workforce programs can provide a path to a new career. Gilberto enrolled in the Highway to Work program, supported by EDD’s Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program, where he received hands-on experience while pursuing his goal of becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. His story is one example of how the right programs and resources can help job seekers gain experience, develop skills and take the next step toward meaningful employment.

EDD’s Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities webpage connects Californians to local and free workforce resources through America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM. Job seekers can find help with career planning, training and employment, while employers can access services to support recruitment and hiring. Through CalJOBSSM, job seekers can search for openings and training opportunities, while businesses can connect with candidates and find workforce resources.

Explore Jobs in Your Region
EDD’s projections provide a closer look at where future job opportunities are growing across California and its 15 regions. The page highlights occupations with the most projected openings statewide and by region, helping job seekers explore careers in their communities and employers better understand workforce needs in order to plan for future hiring and training.

Modernizing Services for a Changing Workforce
Helping Californians find opportunities also means making it easier to access the programs and services they need when life and work change. EDD is modernizing to make it easier for customers to apply for benefits, get answers, manage claims and access support online. Recent improvements include:

• Simplified unemployment certification questions: We’ve made it easier for customers to certify for unemployment benefits online with simplified questions, instructions, and guidance based on customer feedback and research.
• Personalized claim information through the chatbot: Unemployment customers can now securely check claim status, payment information, eligibility, and certification details through the chatbot, with guided prompts that help them understand next steps. Those with a disability or Paid Family Leave claim can also access specific claim status information through the EDD chatbot.
• Stronger security for employer accounts: We’ve added multi-factor authentication to Employer Services Online, including e-Services for Business, eWOTC, and SIDES. This quick verification step continues to provide strong protection for employer accounts, while keeping the login process simple.

Together, efforts like these reflect EDD’s ongoing work to make workforce and employment services easier to find, easier to use and more responsive to the needs of job seekers, workers, and employers.