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 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

Apprenticeship Readiness Program Connecting underserved workers to construction careers through apprenticeship-readiness training

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

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

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

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

Healthcare Administration Pathways Three-month online accelerated pathway to a career in healthcare administration

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

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

School Break Externship Short-term internships to gain work experience

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

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

Train Upwards Education, employment and training opportunities for out-of-school young adults ages 18-24 who are not currently working

TAY Works! On Track Helping homeless young adults gain employment and access education

UC San Diego Extended Studies & Google Career Certificates Jumpstart your career in a high-demand, high-growth technology occupation

Pilot Projects

Financing the Future Reimagining education and skills financing

Outcomes for Opportunity Making better use of outcomes data

Project Inspire Empower social enterprises to serve more individuals with disabilities

Research

Behavioral Health Report A bold vision to address the behavioral health workforce shortage

Job Quality Guide How to implement job quality principles in the workforce

Opportunity Youth Data to understand and address youth disconnection

Workforce + Childcare Highlights the childcare crisis, work and economic impacts and solutions

Learning

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

Posters and Printouts Digestible print materials that explore in-demand sectors

Workshops In-person and virtual events and workshops for job seekers

Communication

Articles Program, industry and community news and insights

Equity series Articles exploring all angles of equity, diversity and inclusion

Faces of Workforce Personal stories about the people we serve

Monthly newsletter Sharing impact and inspiration

Press Coverage Extensive media coverage of our efforts

Convenings

Behavioral Health Symposium Addressing the workforce shortage

Economic Roundtable A panel discussion on trends in our national and local economy

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

Aetna Community Purple Heart For our services in the justice-involved community

Cybersecurity Stewardship Award Recognized for our work creating cybersecurity talent pipelines

Kaleidoscope Award Recognized by USD Nonprofit Institute for governance excellence

Trendsetter of the Year Recognized by NAMI San Diego for our collaborative work on our behavioral health initiative

WIOA Trailblazer Recognized as most innovative board in the country (out of 550)

Regional / State / National Collaborations

Aspen Job Quality Our CEO is a Job Quality fellow for 2022/23

JFF Career Navigation Partnering with national colleagues to improve participant navigation

JFF/NAWB: Workforce Policy Transformation Council Exploring strategies to improve policy and legislation

JP Morgan ‘Advancing Cities Partnering with the San Diego Regional EDC

Worker Equity Initiative Advancing DEI efforts throughout California

Past Initiatives

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

Future of Work Grand Challenge Rapid reskilling with entrepreneurial partners

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