This summer in partnership with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, EDC’s Advancing San Diego program convened six leading San Diego employers that collectively employ more than 24,000 San Diegans to participate in an Employer Working Group (EWG) and provide a real-time picture of the region’s talent demand for entry-level business roles. Additionally, 120 businesses were surveyed to gain a regional snapshot of talent demand, find gaps in business related training, and identify in-demand entry-level positions for individuals training to enter the workforce. Leveraging strategies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management® framework, Advancing San Diego is excited to share the 2024 Business Talent Demand Report to serve as a snapshot of local demand for entry-level business professionals.
This report serves as a tool for education partners to understand what skills and competencies students need for entry-level business positions in San Diego County. Based on employer feedback, the report focuses on in-demand external facing roles (Customer Service Representative and Advertising, Sales, and Marketing) and internal facing roles (Purchasing and Buying and Project Managers), and highlights the demand for Accounting, Auditing, and Bookkeeping positions which were identified as high priority by EWG participants.
Key findings
- Twenty percent of businesses reported a high turnover in four out of eight listed in-demand occupations.
- Lack of sufficient training or education was cited as the primary reason for hiring difficulties for entry-level business positions.
- For non-entry level positions, lack of sufficient industry or work experience and inadequate training or education were the primary hiring challenges.
- Employers predicted the highest job growth for purchasing and buying roles over the next 24 months, noting that 30 percent of these positions take more than six months to fill.
- The most challenging positions to fill included supply chain and logistics positions, finance, and project manager roles, all of which reported high turnover rates.
- Hispanic and Latino, as well as Black and African American individuals are underrepresented in entry-level business positions, indicating a need for investment in equitable access to strengthen the regional workforce.
Occupation demand
San Diego’s economy is powered by its diverse industries, from defense and technology to life sciences and manufacturing, supported by more than 71,000 business jobs. However, many employers struggle to find candidates with the necessary skills for entry-level roles, particularly as technical skills become increasingly crucial. With nearly 5,400 businesses competing for talent, the shortage of qualified candidates makes it challenging to fill positions.
Sixty-three percent of surveyed businesses noted that available talent does not have the relevant training or education, highlighting the need for better access to post-secondary education, work-based learning, and internships to strengthen talent pipelines and prepare students for success.
What’s next?
- Save the date: Join EDC on November 13 at UC San Diego Park & Market for Advancing San Diego’s Verified Program event. More details to come.
- Apply to be a Verified Program! Learn more about the process and benefits here. Verified Program applications close September 27.
- Read other industries’ Talent Demand Reports here.
To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:
Bridgette Coleman
Manager, Talent Initiatives