Welcome to Prospero. 

If you've known us as WorkNet Merced County, you already know what we stand for: connecting workers with opportunity and helping local businesses grow. That mission hasn't changed. But the range of our programs and services have evolved, and it was time our identity reflected our momentum. 

This reimagining was championed by your Workforce Development Board - a group of highly connected leaders with their fingers on the pulse of today's labor market. Together, we developed a new brand that captures what we're building: a workforce ecosystem where talent and industry grow together.

A play on the word "prosper," the Prospero brand introduces a new level of service from Merced County. This August, we opened new Job Centers to host a suite of fresh programs in modern co-working environments.  We are launching additional partnerships with industry associations and colleges. And, we have grown our community collaborations; for the first time, many of these community-based organizations will have staff serving residents from our Job Centers. 

Whether you're a job seeker exploring new skills, a business owner looking for support or a community partner ready to collaborate, Prospero is here for you. 

Let's build shared prosperity together. 

Erick Serrato 

Executive Director, Prospero