News & Stories

In an effort to address the growing demand for skilled energy, construction, and utilities (ECU) workers in Imperial and San Diego counties, the San Diego Workforce Partnership today announced the expansion of its successful ECU Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) to Imperial County.

After two decades away from paid work to raise her children, Cat reclaimed her independence—and her career—through free training, resume workshops, and one-on-one career navigation offered by the San Diego Workforce Partnership. With support and encouragement, she is earning her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from SDSU and stepping back into the workforce with clarity, skills, and confidence.

At just 15, United was sentenced to 50 years to life and spent two decades in a maximum-security prison before accessing therapy and rehabilitative programs at a lower-security facility. Through self-awareness and support from initiatives like the San Diego Workforce Partnership Reentry Services, he transformed his life. Now a case manager at Restoring Citizens, he helps others reintegrate after incarceration. 

The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) has been dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence within the higher education system of California Community Colleges. FoundationCCC aims to improve access to affordable, quality education and training for students facing systemic barriers, including first-generation college students, low-income families, veterans and individuals impacted by the justice system.

At the heart of the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Reentry Works services are three passionate advocates who bring lived experience, deep empathy and relentless commitment to supporting justice-impacted individuals: Dee Dorsey, director of population-specific programs, program specialist Izzy Moreno and Shannon White.

San Diego Workforce Partnership, Project Next, and SDNEDC help young adults land their first job at an hiring fair to be held at San Marcos Community Center.

Project Next is dedicated to helping students receive personalized career coaching, hands-on experiences, and direct industry connections by establishing Future Centers within high schools. Their services empower students to make informed decisions about their next steps—whether that involves attending college, pursuing technical training, entering apprenticeships, joining the military or going directly into the workforce.

In honor of Fair Chance Month, also known as Second Chance Month—a nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring that individuals returning from incarceration have meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives—the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) is highlighting the urgent need to expand employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

After 16 years in administration, Iris from El Cajon unexpectedly found a passion for SUD counseling. Discovering an apprenticeship program through SDWP, she jumped at the chance to enhance her education. Now registered with CADTP and preparing for her state exam, Iris is on the path to becoming a certified addiction counselor.

Kimberly is a program specialist who leads our Older Adult Workforce program. In this piece, she shares her proudest professional moment, what she enjoys most about workforce development and how she spends her time off.