On July 14, Mayor Kevin Faulconer, CONNECT2Careers (C2C) and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation gathered with employers and stakeholders dedicated to investing in San Diego County’s future workforce at the One San Diego 100 Reception. Fittingly, approximately one hundred partners and employers attended the event to learn more about the initiative and the Mayor’s vision, and see how to engage the up-and-coming workforce.
One San Diego 100 is challenging 100 businesses to offer jobs and paid internships, job shadows and other creative ways to connect 16 to 24-year-olds to exciting careers in San Diego. These experiences give young adults — particularly those in low-income neighborhoods — an opportunity to learn about exciting careers and gain essential skills. Through businesses’ commitment to investing in our future workforce we create opportunity for our young people and continue to build a world-class regional economy.
Mayor Faulconer spoke on the initiative’s progress so far, calling on employers to get more involved, then introducing Kameron Bacon, a C2C job developer, who shared his story about how C2C helped keep he and his young family from being homeless. HDR, a firm specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services, then explained the company’s success hiring interns, who often become first-choice candidates for full-time positions.
Nearly 2,600 of San Diego’s young adults are searching for a job through C2C — looking for a variety of experiences, from working seasonally at SeaWorld to putting coursework into practice in a local biotech lab, to full-time work to support themselves and their family. Regardless of where each stands in their career and job search, they all want the same thing — an opportunity to secure a successful and sustainable future.
Do you have an opportunity for a young adult? Fill out this form and the C2C team will reach out to discuss being a part of the One San Diego 100.
For more photos of the event, view C2C’s Facebook album.