Few things are as critical to a business as the ability to hire and maintain a qualified workforce. Lincoln employers find a large laborforce with a strong work ethic— everything from engineering to entry-level production workers. The applicant to job ratio is over 10 to 1. Lincoln’s average hourly wage is $10.62.

Lincoln residents also have a strong work ethic and make great employees. "There’s a real strong labor force from which to draw upon—everything from engineering to entry level production workers," says John Otterstedt, Solectron Global Services general manager "We’ve never had a problem getting whatever talent we’ve needed to run the business." Longtime Lincoln businessman and owner of Ace Hardware John Tofft agrees, saying the last time he had positions to fill the application ratio was 20 to 1.

Workforce Education & Training
Both on-campus and contract training opportunities for business are available at Sierra College. Technical Education is one of Sierra College's responses to the preparation of students for entry into the workplace. The goal is to develop and maintain a competitive, technologically skilled, and readily available workforce for the local economy by delivering affordable training. Students receive skills specific training in short-term, credit courses taught by college faculty and industry experts. Practical, hands on learning in new, state-of the-art classroom labs prepare students to enter the workforce for the first time or for job advancement within their current specialty. Skill specific training classes can be taken for credit within the College's Technical Education Program (TECH ED). Examples of courses offered are Computer Construction, Preparation for A+ Certification, Preparation for Network+ Certification, and High Tech Soldering.

Employers may also be eligible to participate in CalWorks, Placer County’s work opportunity program that provides partial wage reimbursement to employers who hire and train new employees. For information, call 530-886-4090. A full list of training opportunities and incentives can be found in the Pro-business Programs section at the end of the business guide.

The South Placer Trade Area provides a great employee base for businesses locating to Lincoln. With a growing technical workforce attracted to the I-80 corridor lifestyle and business opportunities, a 66.8% growth in employment is estimated over the next few decades.