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. Imperial Valley College is serving as the Workforce Partnership’s newest training provider with applications being accepted now through August 8, 2025.
“This new expansion bringing energy, construction, and utilities apprenticeships into Imperial County represents another milestone in San Diego Workforce Partnership’s commitment to creating more accessible pathways into the skilled trades, which are in high demand,” said Rachel Bereza, President & CEO at the San Diego Workforce Partnership. “By partnering with Imperial Valley College, we’re bringing proven training opportunities to individuals who may not have had access to these career-building programs until today.”
In Imperial Country, there is a growing need for workers with advanced trade skills. Recent labor-market data points to strong employer demand for technicians and operators in construction, plant operations, and instrumentation. As of 2023, Imperial County supported over 72,000 million jobs with 45% categorized as “middle-skill jobs” that require some college, an associate degree, or apprenticeship training. “Imperial Valley College looks forward to this partnership with the San Diego Workforce Partnership,” said Efrain Silva, Dean of Economic and Workforce Development Division at Imperial Valley College. “The Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) will assist in the development of a new generation of apprentices and journeymen in high-skilled trades.”
The Workforce Partnership’s ARP is a comprehensive 10–16-week training program that prepares participants for successful careers in construction trades through hands-on learning, career exploration, and direct pathways to apprenticeships. Participants aged 18 years and older will receive weekly stipends, comprehensive classroom instruction, mentorship, and industry-recognized certifications.
Overseen by the San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council, the latest expansion of this successful program, aims to provide 35 individuals with new pathways to high-paying careers in the building trades industries through California’s High Road Construction Careers initiative. “Our apprenticeship readiness programs have created life-changing opportunities for good union careers in the construction industry for many in San Diego County,” said Carol Kim, Business Manager of the San Diego County Building & Construction Trades Council. “We’re incredibly excited to be expanding the program into Imperial County, in partnership with the Imperial County Building & Construction Trades Council, to help meet the growing needs of both that region’s industries as well as the communities of Imperial County.”
The ARP program operates through the Apprenticeship Readiness Collaborative, which brings together the San Diego Workforce Partnership, San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council, local education partners, industry stakeholders, and community-based organizations to create comprehensive workforce development solutions.