Highlighting notable progress in workforce development, career advancement, and community support throughout San Diego County, the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) today released its 2024 annual report, “Building on Success: A Legacy of Impact and Growth.”
The report focuses on SDWP’s success this year by investing more than $4 million in job-readiness training programs, reaching more than 1.5 million people through online engagement, and connecting more than 1,300 individuals with employment or education opportunities while serving over 1,100 employers. Additionally, the organization attracted over 145,000 people to its five career centers and website.
“Our achievements this year demonstrate the power of community, collaboration, and careers—the three pillars at the core of our mission,” said Tony Young, Interim President and CEO of SDWP. “Through expanded training programs and new initiatives, we have continued to bridge the skills gap, support fresh starts, and ensure that local businesses have access to a skilled and diverse talent pool.”
With the support of continued investments from state and private funding, the report shows SDWP:
- Launching newly federally recognized Substance Use Counselor apprenticeship program to train 300 counselors over two years, made possible by a $9 million grant from the California Workforce Development Board.
- Investing $5 million to Develop the Peer Support Training Project to create career pathways for individuals with lived experience in mental health recovery.
- Leveraging a $4.8 million grant to help justice-impacted individuals successfully transition back into San Diego County’s communities and neighborhoods with the support of eight grassroots organizations.
- Establishing SkillCraft, our new training program for the manufacturing sector, supported by a $1 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation.
- Leveraging nearly $1 million in emergency funding to assist affected businesses and workers affected by January 2024 flooding.
- Partnering with UC San Diego Extended Studies and Google Career Certificates Program to offer students the opportunity to earn technology career certificates with zero upfront costs.
- Meeting employers’ staffing needs by hosting over 50 hiring events and free career fairs connecting over 150 employers with qualified candidates.
“2024 has been a year of growth and innovation,” said Khaleda Atta, Chief Operating Officer “With the support of continued investments from state and private funding, SDWP will continue to enhance the skills, knowledge and capabilities of the San Diegan workforce, and sets the organization up for sustainable growth in the coming year.”
For the complete annual report, please visit workforce.org/annualreport24.