What We Do
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We equip job seekers to increase their economic mobility, help businesses grow, rebuild, and thrive equitably, and prepare children and young adults for the world of work. We believe in the power and dignity of work, fight for equity and inclusion and dedicate ourselves to building programs that meet people where they are.
Workforce development is much more than finding the next job. It is helping people connect what they know, love and need with careers that align with each person’s unique talents. Career preparation begins in the classroom and continues throughout life. Life-long learning is essential to keep pace with an ever-changing world.
The Workforce Partnership offers services, custom programs and targeted initiatives that are redefining what workforce development can—and must—be. Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and we are committed to making that an aspiration and reality.
MISSION
To empower job seekers to meet the current and future workforce needs of employers in San Diego County.
VISION
Every business in our region has access to a skilled workforce and every job seeker has access to meaningful employment.
Values
Collaboration
Engaging in inclusive, respectful relationships among colleagues, customers and community that foster the achievement of shared goals.
Excellence
Driving quality, innovation and measurable outcomes through a customer-centered focus and a high-performance culture.
Stewardship
Strategic, efficient, effective use of resources to meet the evolving needs of our customers and community with the highest levels of integrity.
Inclusion
Taking responsibility for creating a culture where everyone is welcomed, heard, valued and empowered to fully participate and reach their full potential.
Equity
Prioritizing those who have been systemically denied opportunity through policies, priorities, practices and behaviors that result in access to opportunity for ALL colleagues, customers and communities.
Strategic Pillars
Initiatives
For Businesses
Layoff Transition Services Support for businesses and employees before, during and after layoffs
Expanded Subsidized Employment Wage subsides to employ welfare-to-work participants
Income Share Agreement Graduates Certified tech talent, ready to work
On-The-Job-Training (OJT) Wage subsidies for hiring new employees
WARNs Information on layoff notices and notification requirements
For Job Seekers
Career Centers Job search and career development services for all: training, workshops, hiring events and more
Connect2Careers Transformative internships and work experiences for young adults
Construction Career Jumpstart Paid training for jobs in energy, construction and utilities
Income Share Agreements Low cost post-secondary education/training ‘evergreen’ fund
Libraries Partnership Comprehensive job search services available in public spaces at no cost
Reentry Works San Diego Career supports and services for justice-involved individuals
Southeastern San Diego Live Well Program Job training and placement within County Live Well Centers
Supported Employment/Work Well Connects County behavioral and mental health with workforce systems
TechHire Connects under-represented populations with job training and placement in tech
Pilot Projects
Financing the Future Reimagining education and skills financing
Future of Work Grand Challenge Rapid reskilling with entrepreneurial partners
Outcomes for Opportunity Making better use of outcomes data
Research and Application
Job Quality Guide How to implement job quality principles in the workforce
Launch Pad Middle school interactive site where labor market information comes to life
My Next Move Labor market data, tools and guidance to help at any stage of career
Outcomes Center Tools and resources around outcomes-focused funding models
Opportunity Youth Data to understand and address youth disconnection
Posters and Printouts Digestible print materials that explore in-demand sectors
Workforce + Childcare Highlights the childcare crisis, work and economic impacts and solutions
Communication
Articles Program, industry and community news and insights
Faces of Workforce Personal stories about the people we serve
Equity series Articles exploring all angles of equity, diversity and inclusion
Monthly newsletter Sharing impact and inspiration
Press Coverage Extensive media coverage of our efforts
Convenings
OpportunitySD Addressing youth disconnection
Race, Equity & Worker Power A panel discussion on how to effect positive change
Workforce Frontiers Advancing innovations in workforce programs
Recognition
Kaleidoscope Award Recognized by USD Nonprofit Institute for governance excellence
WIOA Trailblazer Recognized as most innovative board in the country (out of 550)
Past Initiatives
High Road Kitchens Reopening restaurants and reemploying workers
Return to Work Work-readiness training and supports for seniors returning to work
Rapid Rehousing Increased the City of San Diego’s Rapid Re-Housing performance and housing stability outcomes