The POWER
of WORK
Collaborating to create
a San Diego that works for all San Diego
Workforce
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Partnership
WORK
HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES.
The San Diego Workforce Partnership collaborates
with businesses, community-based organizations,
elected officials and funders to realize career and
growth opportunities for all. Our services-career
navigation, training for in-demand jobs, workforce
education, paid work experience, recruitment support
and more-empower job seekers, employers and
students across San Diego to connect, grow and
thrive. The result? Real economic development in
San Diego, with successful businesses and a diverse,
qualified talent pool.
5 LEY UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
Patred
EMERGENCY
$3M+ 582,694
invested in job-readiness trainings online reach
108,569 5,449
general public interactions active training/employment enrollees 1,822 803
placements in employment or education employers served
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
ABOUT US
DELIVERING INNOVATIVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
ADRES
Our Purpose
We equip job seekers in San Diego County 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 MISSION and dignity of work, fight for equity and inclusion and dedicate ourselves To empower job seekers to building programs that meet people where they are. to meet the current and We have provided workforce development services to the benefit of the future workforce needs San Diego community for nearly 50 years. of employers in San Diego County.
Along with office moves, the organization has also changed names quite a few times. It was first known as the Regional Employment Training Consortium, followed by the San Diego Consortium, then Private Industry VISION Council before we became known as the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Every business in our region has access to a
With more than 100 employees and six career centers in San Diego skilled workforce and County, we have expanded and evolved to meet the changing and growing every job seeker has
demands of San Diego businesses and job seekers.
access to meaningful
In 2023, the California Workforce Development Board named us a High employment.
Performing Board in recognition of our commitment to excellence in workforce development. We consistently seek new ways to align with our communities to identify workforce training needs, skill gaps and emerging industries.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.
2 l FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR BOARDS
We manage a variety of funding sources (public, private sector and philanthropy) to implement targeted and measurable workforce development services throughout San Diego County. Two boards provide oversight- Workforce Development Board and Consortium Policy Board. Meetings are open to the public.
Workforce Development Board
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) reviews initiatives and works closely with staff on committees and working groups. The WDB represents the entire region-comprised of 26 members as of June 30, 2023, spanning the public and private sectors, education, organized labor and other local community leaders. This group strengthens our work with all stakeholders to address the workforce needs of the region.
Aida Rosa, Chief Human Resources Officer, Danene Brown, Ph.D., Regional Consortium Michael Zucchet, General Manager, San Diego San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Chair, San Diego and Imperial Counties Municipal Employees Association* Althea Salas, Vice President of Human Community Colleges Association Nancy Smith-Taylor, Director of Diversity
Resources, San Diego Tourism Authority** Ed Hidalgo, Innovation and Engagement and Workforce Management, Annie Taamilo, Deputy Division Chief, Advisor, Cajon Valley Union School District San Diego Gas & Electric Employment Development Department Efrem Bycer, Senior Manager, Public Policy Noemi "Mimi" Rosado, Deputy Corporate Andrew Berg, Executive Manager, National and Economic Graph, Linkedin Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Electrical Contractors Association* Jamie Gardner (Vice Chair), Director of Talent (NIWC) Pacific** Bridgette Browning, Executive Secretary Acquisition and Employer Branding, Phil Blair, President, Manpower San Diego Treasurer, San Diego and Imperial Counties Watkins Wellness Rick Vaccari (WDB Chair), Vice President of Regional Labor Council** Jeff Noyes, District Administrator, Investor Relations and Pensions (retired), Brisa L. Johnson, Civic Engagement Manager Department of Rehabilitation Sempra Energy Statewide, United Domestic Workers Jeremy Vellón, Human Resources Director, Ricky Shabazz, President, San Diego City Carmen Summers (Secretary/Treasurer), Modigent College
General Manager, Americas Azure Core Kevin Johnson, Training Director/Chief Risa Baron, Municipal Manager, Specialized Sales, Microsoft Corporation** Financial Officer, San Diego and Imperial Republic Services** Carol Kim, Business Manager, San Diego Counties Electrical Training Institute Sammy Totah, Chief Operating Officer,
County Building and Construction Trades Kurling Robinson, Founder, Fökcus Kaiser Permanente San Diego* Council
Mark Sutton, Senior Vice President, Shandon Harbour, President and CEO, Christina Bibler, Director of Economic Managing Director, Regional Executive, Associated Builders and Contractors** Development, City of San Diego Bank of America*
Veronica Dela Rosa (Treasurer),
Connie Lundgren, Director, Workforce Matt Doyle, Ed.D., Superintendent, Executive Vice President of Operations, Relations, General Dynamics NASSCO* Vista Unified School District San Ysidro Health Matt Martin, Executive Vice President, *Officially resigned during the last fiscal year PNC Bank **Officially resigned in current fiscal year
Policy Board
Because the Workforce Partnership is a joint powers authority, the Policy Board is a partnership of the City and County of San Diego. Members include two County Supervisors, two San Diego City Councilmembers and a community representative. They appoint WDB members and receive recommendations from the WDB. In collaboration with the WDB, the Policy Board decides on a variety of funding decisions and priorities.
CHAIR MEMBERS ALTERNATES
Monica Montgomery Steppe, Jim Desmond, Supervisor, Joel Anderson, Supervisor, Council President Pro Tem, County of San Diego County of San Diego City of San Diego Sean Elo-Rivera, Council President,
Stephen Whitburn, Councilmember,
VICE CHAIR City of San Diego City of San Diego
Terra Lawson-Remer, Supervisor, Nancy Sasaki, Chief Executive Officer, Vivian Moreno, Councilmember, County of San Diego United Way of San Diego County City of San Diego Jacob Richards, Board Member,
United Way of San Diego County
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
A MESSAGE FROM TONY YOUNG, INTERIM PRESIDENT AND CEO
Dear San Diego Workforce Partnership Supporters and Partners, Over the past six months, it has been my sincere honor to lead this invaluable organization and set a new course for the future. Workforce needs in San Diego are continually evolving. Embracing workforce development requires understanding, meeting and anticipating the current and future needs of workers and employers alike.
The dedicated San Diego Workforce Partnership team continues to collaborate with partners, businesses, elected officials, donors and funders to address these needs by ensuring all job seekers, employers and students receive equal access to the skills and resources necessary for success.
This report highlights our collective efforts and selected services during the fiscal year July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023, framed by the organization's core values of Collaboration, Excellence, Stewardship, Inclusion and Equity.
I am proud of the team's performance in this challenging year, highlighted by serving over 5,440 job seekers and aiding local employers in connecting over 1,820 residents to career opportunities. The management of our six career centers moved in-house in June 2022, allowing us to expand and better target our training and job search services. Our behavioral health workforce report provided critical insights into the mental health worker shortage and potential solutions. I'm pleased to share that the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants and $10 million in state funding secured by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein will help us increase gender, racial and ethnic diversity in underrepresented career fields.
We will build strategically on this progress. For too long, we've been hearing that Workforce Partnership services are the best-kept secret in San Diego. In 2024, we will be implementing a new, comprehensive communications strategy that will raise awareness for our organization and the services we provide. We want more people, especially underserved groups, taking advantage of our career coaching, training and job placement to attain upward mobility. We want more local businesses using our resources to recruit and retain employees. We want more students exploring career paths to make their aspirations a reality. And we want more partners tackling barriers to improve the health of San Diego's communities and economy.
Leveraging our core values, we will strengthen our strategic partnerships with regional economic development entities, employers and community organizations; gain further insights into the unique needs of underrepresented populations and small businesses; improve customer service experiences that lead to tailored workforce solutions; and acquire additional funding to invest in population-specific and outcomes-focused services.
Thank you to our partners assisting us in our mission to help fellow San Diegans advance their careers and businesses and promote regional economic development. With your partnership and support, we aim to make "the power of work" possible for all.
Tony Young, Interim President and CEO
San Diego Workforce Partnership
4 | i are FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Equity in Opportunity
We're striving for a more equitable region, focusing
of participants served self-
funding and resources on those too often excluded from 63% identified as Black, Indigenous or Person of Color
higher quality jobs and upward economic mobility.
PARTICIPANTS
AGE
Male 46% Latino 30% Multiracial 7% 25-44 37%
Female 44% White 20% American Indian/ 18-24 34%
Not disclosed 9% African American/Black 17% Alaskan Native 2% 45-64 17% Non-binary, genderfluid or agender 1% No race selection 15% Hawaiian/Other Under 18 9% Pacific Islander 1% 65 and over 1%
Asian 7%
Other 1%
Not disclosed 2%
PARTICIPANTS BY PARTICIPANTS BY
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT COUNTY DISTRICT
District 1 27% District 4 35%
District 2 15% District 5 13%
District 3 10%
6%
3%
District 2 5% 7%
13%
District 3 13%
9%
District 4 22%
District 5 5%
19%
District 6 7% 13%
10%
District 7 9% 22%
15%
District 8 16%
35%
District 9 19%
27%
16%
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT BarNest
COLLABORATION
Construction Career
Jumpstart (CCJ)
Hands-on training for jobs in the energy, construction
and utilities sector
Collaboration is key to the success of CCJ. Everyone
involved-partners, instructors, employers and staff—
envisions creating a pipeline of skilled, motivated
workers for San Diego's construction industry and
opening doors for underrepresented populations.
By attending a four-week, in-person "bootcamp,"
CCJ participants gain firsthand experience and
industry-recognized certifications. This year, CCJ
ran five cohorts with an average of 22 participants
each. Electrical Training Institute instructors shared "Opened up a world their expertise, and the International Brotherhood of of possibilities" Electrical Workers Local 569 and National Electrical
Contractors Association provided additional support and JENIFFER MENDIOLA, CCJ GRADUATE job opportunities. The Workforce Partnership offered What are the best features of the personalized career navigation and job readiness tools. CCJ training? The instructor made the four-week pre-apprenticeship
program much easier to grasp. He
80% placement rate for graduates, provided us with valuable insights and support, which I am incredibly
high for this competitive, in-demand field thankful for. CCJ's resources, such as interview preparation and resume-
building support, were invaluable. I
felt prepared to enter the next phase
of my journey, which was enrolling
in the Electrical Training Institute
apprenticeship.
BUECTRICAS
TRAININE
INSTUTUE How did CCJ change your career path?
Being in a union is a game-changer.
They offer so many development
opportunities that I can pursue after
I complete my apprenticeship, which
leaves the future open and bright. The
environment within the apprenticeship
program is welcoming, and negative
work attitudes are not tolerated. More
women should explore opportunities
in the trades, and I hope my story can
inspire them to pursue their passions.
6 | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Partnership
"It's been completely
life-changing for me"
RAVEN ANTIQUIERA, CYBERHIRE
GRADUATE
What did you join the CyberHire
program? I had wanted to make a
career change for a while. I always
had a passion for computers
and technology. Once I started
CyberHire and enrolled in San
Diego College of Continuing
Education's Desktop Technician
Certificate, I began to learn so
fast. The certification training gave
me all the foundational knowledge
I needed to succeed and start out
in the industry.
How did CyberHire change your
career path? It's been completely
life-changing for me. When an
internship opportunity arose at
CyberHire Dispatch Tech, I knew it would
give me the hands-on training
Training and job search assistance for the cybersecurity I needed. My skills have pretty and information technology industries much quadrupled in a very short amount of time. After my
CyberHire is a true collaboration between the Workforce internship, they offered me a
Partnership, Regional Economic Development Corporation
job, and I am now the Assistant
(EDC) and San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE).
Chief Information Security Officer
The Workforce Partnership works with EDC information
Director at Dispatch Tech. I want
technology and cybersecurity employers to identify
to learn more, so l am going to
workforce needs and training providers, and then
pursue more certifications and
partners with CCOE to connect CyberHire participants
obtain a master's degree.
with employers. Participants, primarily low-income and
underserved job seekers, receive job-readiness support, subsidized cybersecurity certification and credential costs, and access to paid internship opportunities and placement services. The San Diego Business Journal Cybersecurity
Stewardship Awards named CyberHire "Nonprofit Workforce Development Initiative of the Year" in 2022 and 2023.
90 industry-recognized
certifications awarded
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT. 17
Access, Inc.
Employment and education opportunities for
foster youth and other underserved populations
Access, Inc. is a longtime partner of the Workforce
66 Partnership, collaborating on career counseling,
job placement and other services for foster youth
since the mid-1980s. To achieve the greatest What stands out about our collaboration with impact, the two organizations continue to leverage the Workforce Partnership is the longevity their programs, funding and connections as and leadership here in San Diego. We can well as share their resources and best practices combine our resources, along with amazing with the community. The collaboration between community organizations and nonprofits, to Access, Workforce Partnership and a network give foster youth wraparound services and of community organizations and youth services increased employment opportunities. providers helps to provide foster youth the tools -Kristie Buckley, President and CEO, Access, Inc. and safe space to discover all they can be as
they work toward becoming independent, self- 99
sufficient people. This year, Access provided
additional training courses in essential skills, such
as networking, leadership and public speaking, to
instill confidence in foster youth and help them
better navigate the workspace and world.
WORKFORCE AT WORK
Tabling at the 44th Annual
Career EXPO/Job Fair at
Grossmont College
8 | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
EXCELLENCE
Apprenticeship Readiness
Program (ARP)
Training to prepare for a registered apprenticeship in
construction
Many people want to get a job in construction but do
not know where to start. ARP opens a gateway to the
trades, providing participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to choose, obtain and succeed in a registered apprenticeship. Apprenticeships offer excellent job stability and a career trajectory in the competitive construction industry. ARP instructors teach the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) and organize job site visits hosted by employer partners around San Diego.
In March 2023, the Workforce Partnership was awarded a
grant under the new state initiative, Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA), which will allow us for the first time to provide childcare stipends to
parents or guardians in the ARP and CCJ programs.
48 graduates placed in state-registered apprenticeships 17% of ARP and CCJ graduates were female, compared to 2.5% nationwide "Earn-while-you-learn opportunity open to all"
JENIFER ARCE, SAN DIEGO BUILDING TRADES INSTRUCTOR
Why did you become an instructor with ARP? I'm a female journey- level union iron worker with San Diego's Local 229. I became a union apprentice after 25 years of dead-end jobs. It was the best decision I ever made, and I am passionate about sharing information about working in the construction industry with ARP participants, especially women.
How does ARP benefit participants? ARP provides information on all union construction trades to help participants choose the right career path, which can improve the pool of qualified workers and retention rates in the industry. ARP offers hands-on experience, tool identification, job site and apprenticeship tours and required certifications, so participants leave here confident and well-rounded. I wish I had these classes 10 years ago!
What is most rewarding about your role? I get to share my journey to help the underrepresented, minorities, formerly incarcerated, women and veterans. I want union careers to be available for everyone. For female participants to see someone like me in this male-dominated field, then maybe they think, I can do it too.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT _1 9
Business Engagement
Services
Custom resources for hiring, training and
retaining employees
It is often difficult for employers to find and keep
quality talent, especially in smaller businesses.
The Business Engagement training programs
reimburse employers 50% of the costs associated
with training new or current employees. Employers
develop their own unique curriculum that meets
their specific needs to train and retain their
"Best-kept secret to grow
workforce. The potential benefits to employees,
employers and San Diego itself are immense. For and retain your workforce" example, the Incumbent Worker Training upskills JOHN HORNBROOK, CHIEF OPERATING current employees, which helps employers meet OFFICER, MRI AUDIO their workforce and growth needs; employees
How did you hear about Incumbent Worker
learn or enhance a skillset and receive a promotion
Training (IWT)? Our small business is a
and/or a pay raise; and the local economy retains
niche industry in the medical device field.
residents who earn a minimum $21.75 per hour
Through the California Manufacturing
self-sufficiency wage.*
Technology Consulting (CMC) nonprofit,
*Please note that as of July 2022, the San Diego Workforce Partnership living wage target for San Diego is $21.75 per hour (or equivalent salary). The living wage is based on a series we learned about IWT. IWT funding is the of economic indicators which fluctuate over time
reason we were able to move forward with
CMC's Lean Training Initiative.
803 Why did your company need this training?
unique employers supported We had a new product launch, and we wanted to train warehouse employees
in best practices for product rollout and
$631,500 management. The classroom and on-the-
co-invested from businesses job training took place here a few days a week for 5-6 workers. We received a degree
in lean methodology and then created our
$953,500
own solutions based on the training.
invested in businesses through
employer-led trainings How did IWT benefit your employees and business? After completing the training,
employees received pay raises and
increased job security. Plus, there is the
saved time and stress from applying the
lean methods, which promoted real buy-
in. The warehouse is now able to fill up to
130 orders per month, whereas before we
could barely do 80—we estimate our cost
savings at about $160,000 per month! I
can't recommend IWT enough.
10 | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Training and Job Search Services
The Workforce Partnership's training and job search services uses a personal approach to meet the unique needs of every job seeker and employer. Career navigators provide one- on-one support for job seekers to assess their skills, design 150+ career plans, choose the right training program and connect featured employers at to work opportunities. The Business Engagement team 74 employer spotlights, hiring provides employers with different training options for hiring, events and job fairs upskilling or retaining employees.
Our Eligible Training Provider List's 144 education providers 93 offer classroom or online training for an industry-recognized job seekers participated in credential, certificate or degree. Contracted education employer-led trainings with providers lead fast-paced cohort-based training for more 37 employers hands-on experience and certification in an in-demand
industry skill. New transitional employment services give job seekers with little or no work history a chance to gain real- world experience.
WORKFORCE AT WORK
Spotlighting technology careers
at Qualcomm, Inc.
QualcoM
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPORT AND SERVICES
THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Over 76,000 San Diegans accessed job search and
career development resources at no cost at our six
career centers. To improve the customer service
experience, we added new features-virtual evening
appointments, increased bilingual staff and customer
feedback kiosks.
North County Coastal
Career Center
North County Inland
Career Center
76,000+
individuals visited career
centers for training or
employment information
27,000+
individual users of
Career Coach
online tool
East County
Career Center
2,500+
Metro
participants in job Career
readiness and career Downtown Center
navigation workshops Library
Career
Center
South County
Career Center
SanDiego
12 | Workforce FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Partnership
At the Escondido Public Library, At our quarterly Family Career job seekers participated in our Exploration Days with the San Job Search Series workshops Diego Public Library, all ages to develop their resumes and learned about the job market and prepare for interviews in advance how to land a dream career. of our hosted job fair.
WHAT
r ARE YOUR
INTERESTS?
a
Middle and high school students explored potential
careers in eight Launch Pad interactive learning labs, S like the new one established this year at Heber School
in collaboration with the Heber Elementary School e
District. Our continuing work with school districts
helped to incorporate workforce development into
public education for students of all grade levels.
Justice-involved individuals participated
in Reentry Works pre-release employment
and training services within the East Mesa
Rehabilitation Facility and Las Colinas
Detention and Reentry Facility. Workshops
helped participants build the confidence to lead
with their strengths rather than their barriers.
San Diego
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Workforce | 13
STEWARDSHP
"Just needed a little bit
of opportunity"
ISRAEL GUZMAN, HEALTHCARE
ADMINISTRATION PATHWAYS GRADUATE
How did the Healthcare Administration
Pathways program change your career
path? I have always been interested
in healthcare, but coming from an
immigrant family, no one in my family had
worked in that field. With this program
I could earn a certificate and enter the
industry. Also, I think I was hired for my
current position as a hospital patient
transporter technician largely because
I am a part of this program. It showed
my commitment to pursuing a career in
the healthcare sector, which was well-
received by my employer. Looking ahead,
I'm excited to embark on a new journey
in January, starting a program to become
an MRI technician.
Why is career development so
important? Career development services
provide crucial support and resources
Healthcare Administration for individuals like me, who are older, Pathways with limited opportunities, and starting
late in the game. My experience with
Accelerated training for a career in healthcare the Workforce Partnership revealed administration individuals facing similar challenges,
showing that you're not alone and giving
Patient access representatives are desperately needed in me hope to keep going.
major hospital systems, community health centers and
medical offices across San Diego County. The Healthcare Administration Pathways three-month accelerated online
course created by UC San Diego Division of Extended
Studies gives participants an opportunity to get a
professional certification in healthcare revenue cycle
management. To further alleviate the financial burden
on participants, the program often covers the costs of
equipment and transportation and provides childcare
credits. The program offers job prospects through its
extensive network of partners, including Rady Children's Hospital, Scripps Health System, Sharp HealthCare, UC
San Diego and community health centers.
14 | - FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Substance Use
Counselor Training
Training and certification to become a
substance use counselor
San Diego County faces a significant shortage of
behavioral health workers-8,000 short of the
County's need. The Substance Use Counselor
Training program's combination of online training
and supportive services reduces the financial and
social barriers for participants to open a door
into a fulfilling career. The program covers tuition,
textbooks and certification and registration fees
and provides childcare allowance, transportation "Gaining the skills to credits and free laptops as needed. The training help others" is challenging-requiring 2,650 hours of education
UCHE UZO, SUBSTANCE USE
and supervised counseling-but participants are
COUNSELOR TRAINING GRADUATE
committed. Many are in recovery themselves, and
their lived experience helps them better understand Why did you join the Substance Use clients' needs and makes gaining the professional Counselor Training program? I have skills to help others very meaningful. always known at my core that my career path would be in healthcare.
By 2027, the region will need to recruit When I received an email about the 18,500 behavioral health professionals program, I thought it would be a great steppingstone toward finding a long-term
to the field-including 5,727 community career path better suited to me. Though health workers and 2,952 substance use it was difficult at first, I was able to and behavioral health counselors. find my footing and am now more comfortable balancing my responsibilities
as a mother, my coursework and my
internship with Family Health Centers
of San Diego. Luckily, I have my career
navigator to help me.
How did your work experience impact
you? In my internship, I am getting
hands-on experience working with
individuals who are struggling with
substance use. I can connect what I
have learned in school with real people
and experience. Having the opportunity
to help people to live a better life is
what I have always dreamed of doing.
The experience I am gaining as a
counselor will open many doors
for me in public health.
San Diego
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Workforce /15
Layoff Transition Services
Resources, assistance and training for affected or dislocated workers Signaled by the receipt of a Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification 66
(WARN), we offer services to employers who
are experiencing mass layoffs or closures The job fairs and workshops organized by the Layoff Transition Services team for employees
in San Diego County. Services include
affected in each wave [of layoffs] have been
rapid response hiring events, no-cost
instrumental in supporting our workforce during
presentations for affected employees to
help ease the transition and get reemployed, this transitional period. The team ensured onsite and subsidized employer-driven training representatives for unemployment and Workforce Partnership information and offered invaluable
programs to avert layoffs. The presentations
one-on-one assistance with resume building and
are in partnership with representatives from
Unemployment Insurance and Workforce interview workshops.
Services with the State of California's -Gabi Matteson, Human Resources Manager, Resideo Employment Development Department and 99
a certified Covered California agent. This
year we leveraged our partnerships with
Biocom, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, 102 WARNs received, impacting City of San Diego, CMTC, Council for Supplier
Diversity, Live Well, North County EDC, 75 employers and 10,018 employees Regional EDC and San Diego Tech Hub to
reach more businesses and employees 35 presentations given for affected impacted by layoffs. employees
WORKFORCE AT WORK
ARP pre-apprentices pass testing for their
Mobile Elevated Work Platform certification
16 | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
INCLUSION
TechHire
Training and job search assistance for
the information technology industry
What makes TechHire special beyond
the no-cost training program is the
career pathways it opens that are often
closed to low-income and underserved
participants. Participants gain the
advanced skills needed to differentiate
themselves from other candidates
for meaningful employment in this
competitive field. TechHire is also a boon
to tech employers across San Diego: they
gain access to a wider, highly qualified
talent pool that can bring a diversity of
thought that is vital for developing new
ideas. Because 60% of entry-level jobs
in tech require six months of experience
or more, TechHire provides participants
with paid work experience of up to
150 hours with an employer.
50% conversion rate from paid work experience to long-term job placement, an increase of 20% from the previous year
"When we come together, we create pathways for change"
SHELLIE BAXTER, FOUNDER, OUR GENETIC LEGACY
Why did you use the TechHire program? As a solo founder with grand ambitions, I knew I needed guidance on building and managing a business. The TechHire program specialist helped me understand all that the program could offer, including providing paid work experiences for the young women enrolling in the program to subsidize their initial work hours and enable a smooth transition into ongoing employment.
How did TechHire participants and your business benefit from the experience? One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey has been the opportunity to empower young women as drone pilots and data analysts. Drones provide us with the means to explore historical sites and uncover hidden artifacts. We tracked flight hours and provided training to ensure the young women became skilled professionals. For our company, it's been a game-changer, allowing us to empower aspiring professionals and scale our impact. I'm excited to continue building, growing and bridging gaps while leaving behind an enduring legacy of empowerment and representation.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Workforce | 17
Helping Individuals Retain
Employment (HIRE)
Connecting Black young adults with employment and
education services
Deciding on the right career is difficult, particularly for opportunity youth who face barriers to education and
employment. HIRE serves Black young adults ages 16-24
in San Diego County who are not in school and identify as unemployed or underemployed. The Workforce Partnership
works with the YMCA of San Diego County to link these
young adults with one-on-one career coaching that help "Better options are them explore, choose and pursue a career in priority sectors. available" HIRE participants attend workshops and trainings and
connect with paid work experience at temporary jobs or MICHAEL LANE, HIRE GRADUATE internships before finding a long-term job in a chosen career What was your experience with field. HIRE also provides access to additional resources that HIRE? I joined thinking they would assist with housing, transportation and other basic needs. help me get a job; | didn't know they could provide more stability
for me. They offered me so much,
like basic life skills, job training,
interview prep and a mentor to
speak openly and honestly with.
And to top it all off, they provided
me with the resources to pay.
bills and a stipend for every
training course I completed. This
help allowed me to stop living
out of my car and move into an
apartment.
How did HIRE change your career
path? After completing the life
skills training, I got connected
to another nonprofit, Creating
Coding Careers, and became an
apprentice, where I am learning
skills to become a web developer
while getting paid am on my
way to obtaining a career and
I will no longer have to work
low-paying jobs. I want others to
know that if they are willing
to do the work and put in the
time, better options are available.
San Diego
18 Norkforce FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Partnership
Behavioral Health Services
Supported Employment
Increasing employment opportunities for individuals
with mental illness
43 Paid employment can be an essential part of recovery for people with mental health disorders by helping behavioral health to improve their self-esteem, financial independence services programs provided and overall wellbeing. The Workforce Partnership is technical assistance contracted by San Diego County to offer technical
assistance and training in workforce development
at behavioral health services sites like mental health 26 clubhouses, as well as for mental health service
providers and employment specialists. We provide workshops provided to workshops, employee resource events, job resource employment specialists fairs and employer access. We are also building San Diego County's capacity to implement the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment model, which helps
people with mental illness find jobs through inclusive
opportunities and a continuum of support.
WORKFORCE AT WORK
Nate Howard, founder of Movement BE-
a nonprofit supporting creativity in youth
at the Behavioral Health Symposium
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Workforce | 19
Partier siu
"Helping youth make positive
changes for their future"
SAL TERRONES, FOSTER YOUTH LIAISON
How does your background help in your role
as a foster youth liaison? I self-identify as
a former foster youth in San Diego County,
having spent about six years in the foster
care system. I think this experience provides
me with natural and genuine empathy and
rapport with participants-they know that I
have faced similar adversities and can trust I
have their best interests at heart.
How is collaboration critical for serving
foster youth? Barriers involving basic
needs-housing, food, legal matters,
childcare and so on-can really hinder foster
Career Services youth in their employment. To serve foster youth holistically, we have built strategic
for Foster Youth
partnerships with dedicated organizations
Job placement, training and supportive throughout San Diego County. services for foster youth
How can work empower foster youth?
Career Services for Foster Youth provides I think having employment is one of the main current or former foster youth ages 16-24 an factors of a happy, successful life and can opportunity to explore career interests and gain truly end the cycle of poverty. Foster youth real skills and experience through training and/or want to be successful but have not been a paid internship or job. This year the Workforce equipped with the right relationships or Partnership worked hard to eliminate silos and opportunities. I believe when you put us on braid funding so that we can better alleviate a level playing field, we thrive. barriers to employment. We are partnering with the
County of San Diego, Access, Inc., Black Chamber
of Commerce, Just in Time for Foster Youth and
Promises2Kids to provide supportive services,
including financial support for housing, mental
health assistance, transportation and childcare.
Note: This program has since been incorporated into the new Access to Career Pathways for Foster Youth program with the same objective of serving the foster youth population.
82% placement rate for foster
youth clients in training programs,
internships or jobs
San Diego
20 Workforce FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Ticket to Work and
Self Sufficiency
Helping Social Security beneficiaries become
financially independent
The federal program Ticket to Work helps Social
Security disability beneficiaries obtain paid
employment and become financially independent
without losing their access to health care coverage.
Services include career counseling, job search
support, long-term employment support, Social
Security work incentive advisement and financial
resources. Those in the program receive access
("ticket") to approved employment networks or state
vocational rehabilitation agencies. These networks
are then eligible for payments when the ticket
holders they are serving achieve defined goals for
work and earnings. Joining the San Diegan workforce "Massive impact on my life" can be a huge benefit to participants' wellbeing-they LAMONT BURNS, TICKET TO WORK AND earn more money, meet new people and learn new SELF SUFFICIENCY GRADUATE skills while achieving self-sufficiency.
What was your experience with Ticket to
Work? I always found it difficult to hold
51 Ticket to Work participants a job and have received Social Security Disability Insurance benefits most of
received services my adult life. My relationship with the workforce and my mental health issues
made it difficult for me to progress in
the workplace. What makes Ticket such
a great program is my program specialist.
She cared about me as a person and
worked with me to figure out what I was
passionate about and what I wanted to do.
How did Ticket change your career path?
The program has had a massive impact on
my life. My program specialist connected
me with Job Options Inc. in La Jolla, where
I got a full-time janitorial job and have
since received employee of the month
recognition and a promotion to floor
technician. It feels good to interact with
people and be in a solid place where I can
plan for my future and have space to work
on my mental health.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
Reentry Works
66 Career support and services for justice-involved
individuals I felt like once I was a felon, I would never get a job and i was limited with career
Our reentry services for justice-involved job seekers
options. Prison to Employment didn't just
focus on leading with people's skills and talents, not their tell me that view was wrong, but they
barriers. Pre-release participants can attend workshops proved it to me. They proved that my past
and quarterly job fairs within Las Colinas and East Mesa doesn't define me, and it doesn't have to
detention and rehabilitation facilities. Here they can
define what the future holds for me.
explore career interests, build a resume, practice job
interviews and acquire essential skills for employment. -Windy Ortiz, Reentry Works participant Post-release participants are provided individual
placement and support through the state's Prison to 99
Employment (PE) services, a partnership between the
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the state workforce system.
A goal of reentry services is long-term employment. We
educate employers about the skills this hidden talent
pool can bring to their businesses as well as available 170 incentives and tax credits. We partner with grassroots
organizations to ensure participants receive access to participants in Prison supportive services to mitigate potential employment to Employment services barriers. Each program specialist within the reentry team entered employment has been directly or indirectly impacted by the justice system, which helps them build trust with participants.
WORKFORCE AT WORK
Black Community Investment Fund
program participants at work at the Laura
Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute
San Diego
22 | Workforce FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Partnership
LOOKING FORWARD
Thanks to the ongoing support of community and donor partners, we continue to create innovative workforce solutions capable of transforming the lives of all San Diegans. Certain priorities for the Workforce Partnership in the coming year stand out as we assess and adjust the organization's direction in response to changing internal and external environments.
We plan to focus our energy and resources on finding ways to increase our efficiency, outreach, partner and funding opportunities, and sustainable impact on residents and the regional economy.
These plans will depend on labor market conditions, the local and national economy, donor and investor support, and staffing.
Specific steps we anticipate taking in the next fiscal year include:
Organizational Structure Strategic Planning
• Centralization of Compliance and In spring 2024, we will begin a strategic Operations. [Completed] planning process, with support from the Irvine Foundation, to ensure all
• Creation of a new Operations
stakeholders and staff are working
Vice Presidency that includes
toward common goals. Matters for
the departments for Learning,
review will include:
Communications, Compliance and
Operations, Information Technology • Strengthening diversity, equity and Facilities. [Completed] and inclusion within our workplace and with regard to the community
• Centralization of the Intake and
we serve.
Eligibility Department to increase
efficiency in client services. • Reviewing our physical locations across San Diego County to ensure
• Strengthening of the Leadership
our career centers and other job
Team, to include composition and search and training support are based coaching support. in the areas of greatest need.
• Strengthening of corporate
• Offering additional learning
governance.
and professional development
• Updating organizational bylaws to opportunities for our staff and provide clarity on board interactions. leadership.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIALS
The majority of our fiscal year 2023 funding came from federal sources (68.45%), while the remainder came from private/philanthropic (12.32%), County of San Diego (10.15%), City of San Diego (4.66%) and the State of California (4.42%). The Workforce Partnership is more diversified than most, if not all, Workforce Boards in the country. Most Workforce Boards are dependent upon federal funding and have few, if any, other sources. By focusing on diverse revenue strategies, we will continue to expand our impact. In addition, we are constantly working on strategies to ensure we have the right tools and talent to meet current and future needs. Looking forward, we are anticipating additional growth in resources, both in revenue and personnel for fiscal year 2024, targeting about $36.5 million toward workforce development for San Diego County.
REVENUE BY FUNDING
Federal • Private/Philanthropy • County of SD State of CA City of SD FY 2023 Prelim 31,527,591
FY 2022 28,386,215
FY 2021 27,130,659
FY 2020 27,203,611
FY 2019 28,142,330
FY 2018 28,776,172
FY 2017 29,803,634
FY 2016 30,073,217
FY 2015 33,275,615
FY 2014 30,296,231
FY 2013 29,265,996
FY 2012 33,087,333
Above are the preliminary unaudited results for fiscal year 2023. These results are subject to change as we are working on year-end closing entries for our annual audited financials.
24 | FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR
In September, students at Hoover High School explored science, technology, math and engineering Thanks to funding appropriated by Assemblymember Maienschein in the State budget, the (STEM) careers and engaged with STEM professionals from similar backgrounds in a day-long Workforce Partnership was awarded $5 million to research, develop and implement initiatives that interactive event organized by the Workforce Partnership and sponsored by Qualcomm, Inc. support the region's EMS and Fire career pathways, and $5 million to expand Peer Support career pathways-with a focus on increasing diversity and opportunity within these talent pipelines Addressing the Mental Health Workforce Shortate
The National Alliance on Mental illness (NAMI) San Diego recognized the Workforce Partnership as In January, the Workforce Partnership and Knauss School of Business at University of San Diego "Trendsetter of the Year" for our collaborative work on the behavioral health report to assess the hosted the 39th Annual San Diego County Economic Roundtable in partnership with the County of behavioral health worker shortage and bring new solutions to expand the workforce in San Diego. San Diego. Expert panels discussed trends in the national economy and their effects on San Diego.
Conguatulations.
to our
GRADUATES!
The first class of Southwestern College's Apprenticeship Readiness Program graduated in June, Our approach to all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is to listen, learn and then act. part of a new partnership between the college, San Diego County Building and Construction During Pride Month in June, we shared information with employers on promoting LGBTQIA+ Trades Council and the Workforce Partnership to create opportunities for underrepresented supportive policies and championing inclusivity year-round to uplift employees, clients and populations in the construction industry. community members.
FISCAL YEAR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 25
Thank you to all our funders, investors and donors.*
Your support is vital to our ability to serve the San Diego region.
Accenture Masco Corporation
Alliance Healthcare Microsoft
Amalgamated Foundation MiraCosta College
Bank of America New Profit Inc.
California Workforce Development Board The Parker Foundation Caterpillar Foundation Public Health Institute
Center on Policy Initiatives Qualcomm, Inc.
City of San Diego San Diego Foundation
Conrad Prebys Foundation San Diego Regional Economic Development Foundation County of San Diego San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center Del Mar Healthcare San Diego Seniors Community Foundation Deloitte Foundation SDSU Foundation
Foundation for California Community Colleges Sheriff's Department FSG Inc. Strada Education Network
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College Tides Foundation
Hyatt Hotels Foundation UC San Diego
The James Irvine Foundation U.S. Department of Labor**
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Walmart Foundation
Kaiser Permanente Wells Fargo
Lumina Foundation The Woolley Family Fund at Vanguard Charitable Manpower San Diego
*During fiscal year July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023
**We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Labor for providing the support necessary to run our Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIA)-funded programs
9246 Lightwave Ave., #210 | San Diego, CA 92123 | (619) 228-2900 | TDD: (619) 228-2983 workforce.org f y in O sdworkforce
Rev. 2024.01
How we're expanding our efforts this year
Directing nearly $1 million in resources Streamlining operations, expanded $ to core programs that get San Diegans community partnerships and increased back to work, bolstering data-driven targeted outreach. employment offerings while operating
with an emphasis on accountability and
Innovating stackable credentials that are
transparency.
transferable everywhere so that
individuals don't need to have four-year
Increasing our efforts in the healthcare degrees to succeed in the workforce. + industry and continuing to meet the
County's behavioral health worker
shortage by adding 300 substance use Improving service delivery for job seekers at our career centers by:
counselors in San Diego County by 2026.
• Increasing front line staff by 48%.
• Decreasing the number of customers
Anticipating an $8.6 million increase in on our career center waitlist by 76%. spending that will require detailed
planning and execution throughout the Embarking on a visionary strategic coming year. planning process with key stakeholders
throughout San Diego County.
We're accomplishing this through
• $4.8 million from the California Workforce Development Board to expand programs to improve employment opportunities for the justice impacted. • Up to $2.2 million over three years from Google Career Certificates fund. • Expanding Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program with $1.8 million. • $1.45 million from the James Irvine Foundation and $650,000 from the Conrad Prebys Foundation to support capacity building and leadership efforts.
How our resources support your initiatives
We support the initiatives of our partners by funding programs and implementing initiatives that enhance employment, training and education opportunities in San Diego.
Through our career centers, tailored business resources and data-driven research, we help strengthen the workforce development system and foster economic growth in the San Diego region.
For more information, contact Claudia Huerta at [email protected]. 9246 Lightwave Ave., #210 | San Diego, CA 92123 | (619) 228-2900 | TDD: (619) 228-2983 f O in sdworkforce
Rev. 2024.07 workforce.org
SDWP Fact Sheet San Diego
Workforce
Partnership
Who we are
San Diego Workforce Partnership is a quasi-
public, nonprofit organization that funds
programs, implements initiatives and brings
together key players from county and city
governments, and economic, educational and 0.0
workforce sectors across the San Diego region.
We're part of a national network of nearly 500 workforce development boards, established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). In California, we operate under the guidance of the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) and serve as the designated workforce board for San Diego County and City. With a population of over 3 million, we are dedicated to enhancing and strengthening San Diego's workforce development system.
What we do
SDWP is dedicated to fostering opportunities for San Diego job seekers and helping San Diego businesses to prosper.
• We operate five career centers across our
North County Coastal
county, providing job seekers and
Career Center
businesses with career services, upskilling
training and comprehensive support
services.
Metro Career
Center
East County
Career Center
70,000+ Downtown Library
Career Center
individuals visit our
centers each year
South County
Career Center
• We help businesses scale through tailored resources and funding that offsets the costs of hiring, training and more.
• We help individuals secure meaningful employment, assist businesses in finding skilled talent and drive the local economy forward by fostering a robust workforce in high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, construction, energy and utilities, and public administration.
• We use data-driven research to identify San Diego's most thriving industries and jobs to assist job seekers with finding occupations that align with their unique skills and goals while helping partners identify and address talent pipeline gaps in their sectors.