What We Do

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.

Our Work 

The San Diego Workforce Partnership creates opportunity through work, supporting job seekers and businesses with a robust a suite of resources and services.

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

On-The-Job-Training (OJT) Wage subsidies for hiring new employees

Tech Graduates Certified tech talent, ready to work

WARNs Information on layoff notices and notification requirements

For Job Seekers

Behavioral Health Pathways Beginning or advancing career in behavioral health

Behavioral Health Services Supported Employment Increasing employment opportunities for individuals with mental illness

Career Centers Job search and career development services for all: training, workshops, hiring events and more

Career Services for Justice-involved Young Adults Employment and training for young adults who have been impacted by the justice system

CAREER Support for Parents Supportive services, training and job placement for long-term unemployed parents impacted by COVID-19

City Mentorship Paid training and mentorship for youth with the City of San Diego

Connect2Careers Transformative internships and work experiences for young adults

Construction Career Jumpstart Paid training for jobs in energy, construction and utilities

County Youth Internship Paid work experience in sustainability and green jobs

CyberHire San Diego Training and certification to start your career in cybersecurity

Foster Care Youth Support including housing, counseling, education, and job readiness training

Expanded Subsidized Employment Subsidized employment opportunities for CalWorks participants

Gateway to College and Career Supports immigrants, refugees, and English language learners with self-sufficiency and empowerment

Helping Individuals Retain Employment (HIRE) Connects Black young adults with employment and education services

High Road Construction Careers Connecting underserved workers to construction careers through apprenticeship-readiness training

Libraries Partnership Comprehensive job search services available in public spaces at no cost

Opportunity Youth Internship Connects young adults in San Diego County with internships in the public sector

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

Substance Use Disorder Counselor Training Free training and certification to become a substance use disorder counselor through Sober College School of Addiction Studies

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

Ticket to Work and Self Sufficiency Helping Social Security beneficiaries become financially independent

Transitional Age Youth Works Helping homeless young adults gain employment and access education

UCSD Tech Certificate Program Launch a career in technology with wraparound job support and no upfront cost

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[

Project Inspire Empower social enterprises to serve more individuals with disabilities

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

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

Dental Assistant Program A four-week bootcamp to help launch dental careers

Employment Recovery Initiative On-the-Job Training for dislocated workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

High Road Kitchens Reopening restaurants and reemploying workers

Homelessness Services Support and job placement for people experiencing homelessness

Return to Work Work-readiness training and supports for seniors returning to work