Our Story
Founded in 1980 by Gay Plair Cobb, the Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc. has been at the forefront of workforce development in the Bay Area. Through collaboration with the private industry councils of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, OPIC established the EASTBAY Works career center system, a consortium of One Stop centers dedicated to serving clients across the region. With a commitment to accountability and proven programming, OPIC has successfully administered federal and state-funded workforce development programs since 1984, evolving from the Job Training Partnership Act to the Workforce Investment Act.
OPIC has pioneered innovative initiatives such as the Women-In-Skilled-Trades pre-apprenticeship training program in 1988 and the Cypress/Mandela pre-apprenticeship training program in 1993. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, OPIC is deeply rooted in the diverse community of Oakland, ensuring that its staff and volunteer Board of Directors reflect the city's rich tapestry.