Where talent & Industry Grow Together
Prospero is Merced County’s transformative workforce agency, connecting local businesses and over 116,000 workers with innovative resources and forward-thinking strategies.
By leveraging diverse funding and strong partnerships, we deliver high-impact programs that adapt to evolving industry needs and drive sustainable prosperity across the county.
Looking for work or career planning?
Call (209) 724-2100
Looking to hire a new employee?
Call (350) 503-3129
Our Story
Formerly known as WorkNet Merced County, the organization transitioned to Prospero in 2026 to represent a fundamental shift in its philosophy about how workforce development serves the community. As part of this refreshed identity, Prospero has sharpened the core values that continue to guide our work:
We are forward thinkers meeting big picture workforce opportunities.
We bridge the divide between workforce and industry.
We prioritize partnerships to meet workforce needs.
We strive for excellence in all we do.
Prospero offers tools and support for the workforce community.
Helping Job Seekers develop a career plan and connect to training.
Assisting HR Professionals as they hire employees and stay updated on labor laws and best practices.
Connecting residents to Community Organizations to help them thrive.
Providing Business Leaders with labor market intelligence and industry news.
Your Space for Workforce Connections & Growth
Prospero operates through a network of four distinct centers, each strategically located and purpose-built to serve the unique needs of its community and the industries it supports. These vibrant, modern coworking environments are designed to inspire job seekers and treat every visitor as a professional with potential. In July 2026, Prospero opened its flagship center at Merced Mall, marking a total of four job centers completed in the county's reimagined workforce network.
Media Release
Merced Mall Prospero Job Center
635 Fairfield Drive
Merced, CA 95348
(209) 724-2100
Breaking Barriers Prospero Job Center
445 I Street, Building A
Los Baños, CA 93635
(209) 710-6043
Merced College Prospero Job Center
22240 Highway 152, Room A120
Los Baños, CA 93635
(209) 710-6140
Castle Prospero Job Center
1900 Airdrome Entry
Atwater, CA 95301
(209) 724-2000
What Makes Prospero Different?
At Prospero, we’re committed to keeping pace with new growth, the emerging economy and the ever-changing needs of the business community by creating a better educated and skilled workforce, one that powers Merced County’s economic future.
Coworking & Career Planning
Prospero Job Centers are designed to bring today and tomorrow's workforce together. Visit our Centers at the Merced Mall or Castle Commerce Center to access the following resources in a welcoming environment.
Free Wi-Fi
Computers
Private and collaborative workspaces
Meeting areas
Refreshments
Whether you're launching a business, working remotely, searching for a job or exploring a new career, our Centers provide the tools and support you need. Attend a Prospero Orientation to connect with a Career Advisor and discover the education, training and employment opportunities available to help you reach your goals.
Bringing the Community Together
Collaboration is at the heart of Prospero's mission. We partner with dozens of public agencies, educational institutions, nonprofits and community organizations throughout Merced County to expand opportunities for residents and businesses.
Six community-based organizations are co-located at the Merced Mall Prospero Center, creating a convenient hub for services and collaboration. Our Centers also offer meeting and event space at no cost, making it easier for organizations to connect, share resources and strengthen our community together.
Building a Local Perspective on the Economy
Prospero serves as the home of North Valley THRIVE, the regional economic development organization serving Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
This partnership gives us access to the latest labor market data, economic trends and regional planning initiatives, helping businesses, educators and community leaders make informed decisions.
By translating regional insights into local action, Prospero helps employers prepare for future workforce needs while creating pathways that support long-term economic opportunity and prosperity for local residents.
Hiring with Purpose
Merced County is built on innovation and entrepreneurship, from UC Merced startups to established family-owned businesses.
Prospero helps employers find, hire and retain the talent they need with recruitment assistance, hiring incentives, workforce planning and no-cost human resources support. We can help you recruit your first employee or your fifty-first, provide guidance on hiring best practices, assist with candidate selection and connect you to programs that help offset the cost of training new employees.
By simplifying the hiring process, Prospero helps businesses grow while connecting local job seekers to meaningful careers.
Programs & Services
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Prospero offers a variety of programs designed to support youth who are not currently enrolled in school or are having difficulty connecting to employment. These services include the Empower Program, operated by the Merced County Office of Education, as well as additional programs provided by community-based organizations and the Prospero Youth Team.
For more information about the Empower Program, call (209) 381-5926. To connect with the Prospero Youth Team and learn about available services, call (209) 724-2036.
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Prospero offers a wide range of employment and career development services for adults seeking work, including career planning, job search assistance and training scholarships. Through partnerships with local colleges, community organizations and other workforce partners, Prospero connects participants with diverse education, training and career opportunities.
After enrolling, each participant is matched with a dedicated Career Advisor who provides personalized guidance and helps connect them with Prospero services and resources available through partner agencies.
The first step is attending a Prospero Orientation. To register for an upcoming orientation or learn more, call (209) 724-2100.
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Prospero helps businesses build a skilled local workforce by offering hiring incentives, recruitment assistance and workforce planning services. Our Business Services Team works directly with employers to identify hiring needs and connect them with programs that make recruiting, training and retaining employees easier and more cost-effective.
Eligible employers may qualify for programs that reimburse 50% to 100% of a new employee's wages during training and onboarding, helping reduce hiring costs while supporting workforce development.
To learn more about Business Services and available employer incentives, call (350) 503-3129.
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Prospero understands that financial barriers can make it difficult to complete training or secure employment. Depending on individual needs and program eligibility, limited supportive services may be available to help cover expenses such as training costs, transportation to work or job interviews, work-related supplies or other employment-related needs.
Because funding is limited, supportive services are provided on a case-by-case basis through a Career Advisor as part of an individualized short-term career plan.