News & Stories

The California Workforce Association’s (CWA) annual Workcon conference is a setting where workforce development professionals from around the state converge to exchange ideas, share best practices and foster connections in an effort to drive future workforce development initiatives. We have summarized some emerging topics for workforce development boards to consider that can have a significant impact on workforce development in their region.

After a long career in the title insurance industry, Barbara was faced with the harsh reality of job insecurity, shattering her retirement hopes. After being downsized several times and struggling to find stable employment, she contacted the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) and enrolled in the Older Adult Workforce program as part of the program’s first cohort. Barbara developed the tools she needed in the program to adjust to a changing workforce.

Tiffani is a program specialist on our trainings team. She tells us about her typical day, what she likes about working in workforce development and how she spends her time off.

Reentering to the workforce after a gap in employment has historically been a daunting and overwhelming experience due to concerns about skill gaps or acclimatizing to the workforce. Mothers are among the largest population of job seekers returning to the workforce, with the considerable challenge of validating their value.

At just 19 years old, Summer’s workforce journey is just getting started. Born and raised in East Oakland, influenced by her mother’s strong work ethic and desire for independence, she began working at 16. With the help of different community organizations and nonprofits like the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), as a part of the Access to Career Pathways for Foster Youth program, she is offered a reliable support system while she navigates her career journey.

Gaby Ledezma is a program specialist supporting our County Foster Youth program. Gaby tells us about her typical day, what she enjoys about workforce development and how she spends her time out of the office.

Workforce leaders Tracy Eckard, Haley Stanton and Minola Clark Manson share the valuable insights they garnered from the 2024 National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) “The Forum,” conference in Washington, D.C.

Employment stands as the foremost contributor to diminishing recidivism rates, underscoring how joblessness remains a key predictor of reoffending. Throughout the nation, organizations and advocates for justice reform have played a pivotal role in changing public perception and the narratives for justice-involved individuals, leading to what today is designated as Second Chance Month.

Since 2019, UC San Diego Extended Studies and the San Diego Workforce Partnership have collaborated to provide students with the opportunity to earn certificates in technical fields at no upfront cost. Most recently, in 2023 we launched UC San Diego Extended Studies & Google Career Certificates.

After almost seven years of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) after being diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD, Jennifer Smith found herself ready to test her resolve to head back into the workforce. Through the Ticket to Work program and with encouragement from her program specialist, Georgina Garcia, at the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Jennifer developed the tools and fortitude to successfully restart her career in healthcare administration.