Tag: talent

Voice of San Diego: How to set your child up for socio-economic success

By Taylor Dunne,

Originally authored by Taylor Dunne in Voice of San Diego’s ‘A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools’

Every parent wants to see their child pursue a career that makes them happy, and it is a bonus when they can feel confident that that career will also set them up for financial success.

In San Diego, one of the most dynamic economies in the world, there is abundant opportunity for high-impact careers and upward mobility—sometimes you just need to see it to believe it.

In my role as the director of talent initiatives for San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), I have devoted my career to improving the pathways from local education programs into high-wage, high-demand jobs across San Diego County. Here are some common questions I get asked about these efforts in our region.

Q: What is Career Technical Education?

According to the state of California’s Department of Education, Career Technical Education (CTE) is “a program of study that involves a multi-year sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers.” Here in San Diego County, the board of education’s first goal speaks to CTE as a priority, stating that the public education system should aim to “connect the educational experience to the world of work, to guarantee all students graduate prepared for college, career, and beyond.”

CTE courses can fall into one of 15 industry categories, identified by the California State Board of Education. The courses can be standalone, or part of a multi-year series. Some of them also count toward A-G requirements, which must be completed for admission into a California public university.

Q: When should I start thinking about career pathways for my child?

CTE opportunities at school are a great time for students to begin thinking about prospective career paths. K-12 schools across the region offer these courses, and some have gone the extra mile to really set students up for success.

For example, the Chula Vista Elementary School District offers Innovation Stations where students learn about careers in life sciences, health, technology, and more. A portion of this experience includes local tech giant Qualcomm, which brings to life what the students are learning in the classroom.

Helix High School offers a biotechnology pathway that stacks courses for grades nine through 12. Kearny High Education Complex runs four small, unique schools, each focused on a critical industry, embedding CTE in students’ learning throughout their four years. These kinds of curriculum, coupled with internships, school clubs, and other opportunities, can offer students the chance to begin exploring what careers are available to them in San Diego and how they might begin preparing for those careers today.

In fact, employers agree that experience indicating a proven interest, like school clubs, extracurricular activities, and elected courses like those available through CTE pathways, rise above other qualifications in roles like computing and engineering. Candidates with less formal training that can articulate how they have independently pursued opportunities are more appealing than those who are fully trained but disinterested.

On the other hand, these opportunities can also help young people weed out the careers they do not want during these formative years, before they invest time and money into further training.

Q: What are the jobs of tomorrow?

Looking ahead, future jobs are technical in nature, and they’re in industries like technology (especially with the rapid development of artificial intelligence), healthcare, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. We also anticipate alternative energy will continue to climb that list. Increasingly, these jobs require some sort of post-secondary training.

Everything from trade schools to four-year degrees and beyond become critical for preparing students to take on those roles into the future. In fact, over 100,000 more jobs require a post-secondary degree today as compared to just eight years ago. Luckily, they are also some of the highest paying in our region. We see growth in jobs that pay salaries of upwards to $149,000 per year.

So, what does that mean for San Diego’s future talent and local companies?

It means that community college, trade school, and university classrooms need to be accessible to all San Diego students regardless of economic status or family history. This economic growth, combined with a declining population, means that companies cannot continue to rely on traditional recruitment patterns like sourcing from elite universities, and instead must consider additional channels.

Working age population vs. jobs over 10 years:

In fact, to keep pace with the economy, the San Diego region will need to double the number of people receiving a post-secondary education by 2030.

Q: What tools and resources are available?

EDC is excited to have been able to help bring a new distinction to this year’s version of Voice of San Diego’s A Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools. You can look for the labor market score for schools offering Career and Technical Education programs. Additionally, parents can explore local learning opportunities in relevant fields at the San Diego STEM Ecosystem’s web directory, which includes a filter for cost-free options.

READ THE PARENT’S GUIDE

Finally, our organization offers resources that can help parents connect with the local economy and industry-vetted training programs:

  • Explore EDC’s Talent Dashboard where you can access more real-time local data, like what is shared above, to help with understanding the future of jobs in San Diego.
  • Check out Advancing San Diego’s Verified Programs. These are post-secondary training programs across the region that have been vetted by local companies for teaching the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow while also reaching and serving a diverse student population. In receiving this status, Verified Programs open opportunities for students to access paid internships and other critical work-based learning experiences.
  • Learn more and get involved in EDC’s Talent Initiatives. Contact our team today:
Taylor Dunne
Taylor Dunne

Director, Talent Initiatives

This story was first published by Voice of San Diego. Sign up for VOSD’s newsletters here.

Healthy economy, healthy communities: Strengthening regional healthcare talent pipelines

By Bridgette Coleman,

On January 15, San Diego Regional EDC, in partnership with Bank of America, hosted a dynamic luncheon to explore the healthcare talent landscape in San Diego County. This event brought together a cross-section of 75+ healthcare industry leaders, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community advocates to spotlight the region’s healthcare workforce challenges and opportunities. Together, we launched a critical conversation about how collaboration and an industry-led approach can strengthen our regional healthcare talent pipelines.

Advancing San Diego: A look at the state of healthcare in the region

“I think everyone in this room can agree that a strong healthcare system is important for our region to thrive,” said Pamela Gabriel, senior vice president for Bank of America, San Diego.

San Diego’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing industries, essential for a thriving economy. However, the gap between education and workforce needs presents a challenge. During the luncheon, Bridgette Coleman, program manager for Advancing San Diego at EDC, shared compelling data that underscored the urgency of addressing these issues:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs): More than 15,000 unique job postings were recorded between December 2023 and November 2024, in San Diego. Yet, fewer than 2,000 program completions were achieved annually, creating a severe supply-demand mismatch.
  • Demographics: The healthcare workforce demographics do not reflect the diversity of San Diego’s population, emphasizing the need for inclusive access to training and career pathways, especially into high-wage roles like RNs. Better diversity in lower-wage roles such as Medical Assistants (MAs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) indicate that a focus on these feeder roles might be an impactful way to support the RN talent pipeline.
  • Clinical hours bottleneck: Limited opportunities for nursing students to complete clinical hours exacerbate the talent pipeline challenges, delaying the transition from education to employment.

Review the full Advancing San Diego Healthcare Employer Working Group slide deck for more information about the current state of healthcare in San Diego County.

Addressing the talent gap with strategic programs and partnerships

The luncheon featured a panel of leaders with successful initiatives to bridge the talent gap and fostering inclusive growth:

  • Cal State San Marcos highlighted its interdisciplinary mobile clinic, which provides healthcare services to underserved communities while envisioning its expansion as a potential clinical hour completion site for students.
  • Scripps Health showcased its innovative employee training and retention programs, which boast only a 3 percent vacancy in nursing positions, emphasizing commitment to collaborative regional leadership in addressing healthcare workforce challenges.
  • San Diego State University (SDSU)–Imperial Valley discussed its targeted nursing programs designed to increase access for Imperial Valley College students to access education and training at SDSU for nursing careers and identify new opportunities for clinical placements.
  • San Diego and Imperial Counties Community College Consortium focused on how its improving access through standardized processes, career pathway research, outreach to underrepresented groups, and expanding advanced nursing degree transfer programs.

These initiatives exemplify the power of partnerships in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring that all San Diegans have access to career opportunities in this vital industry.

Join us in building stronger talent pipelines

EDC’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM)© framework is a critical tool in addressing these gaps. By fostering stronger collaboration between employers and educational institutions, we can create scalable, employer-driven solutions that meet the region’s healthcare needs.

The healthcare talent needs in San Diego demand a unified, proactive approach. EDC’s Advancing San Diego program invites industry partners to join our Employer Working Group in leveraging the TPM to address these challenges. This employer-led strategy provides real-time insights, enabling us to:

  • Evaluate pain points and opportunities directly from the employers’ perspectives.
  • Build tailored solutions that address immediate and long-term workforce needs, while measuring return on investment of these solutions.
  • Grow skilled talent in San Diego by connecting underserved populations to training and career pathways, aligning with the region’s Inclusive Growth framework.

By working together, we can ensure a robust healthcare workforce that meets the needs of our region while driving economic growth and community well-being.

Take action

Ready to get involved? We are looking for healthcare employers to join our mission to strengthen San Diego’s healthcare talent pipeline. Learn more and connect with us:

Plus, contact our team today:

Taylor Dunne
Taylor Dunne

Director, Talent Initiatives

Inclusive Growth Spotlight: San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

By San Diego Regional EDC,

To celebrate and inspire the efforts of regional employers, EDC’s new Inclusive Growth blog series will highlight San Diego companies helping to drive progress on the 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.

Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals for San Diego related to increasing: 1) the supply of talent, 2) quality small business jobs, and 3) newly thriving households. The goals inform San Diego’s economic priorities and make the business case for economic inclusion.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy

San Diego small businesses represent 98 percent of all firms and account for 59 percent of total employment, more than the national average. The impact that small business owners have on local jobs cannot be overstated, and yet, they struggle to keep up in an increasingly expensive market.

With a goal to add 50,000 new quality jobs in small businesses by the end of the decade, EDC data shows a surge in progress after years of steady recovery. In 2023, the region added 48,481 new quality* small business jobs, nearly surpassing the goal.

While the significant rise in quality jobs is reassuring, small businesses still struggle to compete. Employer-led efforts to support small businesses are critical to the future of the region’s economy, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is among those contributing to the progress.

How SAN supports the ecosystem

As a regional anchor institution that generates more than $12 billion dollars in economic activity each year, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is a pillar of the economy. This fall will mark the completion of the first phase of the much-anticipated Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. The project will continue to generate economic opportunity for San Diego, primarily through jobs and contracting opportunities—key components of Inclusive Growth.

Learning to do business with the Airport can be difficult to navigate for small, local businesses. The Airport Authority’s Small Business Development (SBD) Program is the primary business unit responsible for opening the doors to smaller businesses so that they can compete for airport contracts.

The Airport Authority’s Procurement Department also maintains an outreach plan and tracks supplier diversity metrics for all solicitations. In collaboration with department contract owners, Procurement develops solicitations and facilitates the review, evaluation, selection, and onboarding of respondents. To engage local, small, and Veteran-owned businesses, the Airport Authority implements a variety of outreach strategies designed to ensure these businesses are informed of contracting opportunities and can be competitive when bidding on Airport projects.

Both SBD and Procurement, in partnership with all Airport Authority departments, encourage diversity in the Airport’s suppliers, professional services, contractors, and concessionaires.

The Airport Authority’s annual “Meet the Primes” event is open to the public and connects small businesses directly with prime contractors, airport staff, and other government agencies to learn how to navigate the contracting process. In addition, the Authority hosts various training and educational events throughout the year, covering how to work with the Airport and become certified for contracting opportunities.

“We also try to see if there are opportunities to unbundle projects to make certain aspects of the project smaller, so more businesses have the ability to compete,” said Craig Ruiz, Manager of the Airport Authority’s SBD Program. “We do targeted outreach to businesses in those different categories to ensure they are prepared to bid.”

On a project-specific level, the Procurement team proactively identifies businesses that can meet the needs of each project, ensuring all relevant vendors are informed and engaged through targeted outreach. The Procurement Department leverages platforms like PlanetBids, an e-procurement tool where businesses can register, access contracting opportunities, and connect with prime contractors for subcontracting opportunities, helping to broaden their reach and increase their chances of success. Small businesses are invited to signup for PlanetBids to access trainings and more information.

Small shifts in local spend by San Diego’s anchor institutions create quality jobs. EDC found that a one percent increase in local construction spending could generate more than 1,000 new quality jobs for the region.

“Supplier diversity provides a greater range of solutions to projects, and helps our community flourish,” said Airport Authority Director of Procurement Jana Vargas. “Investing in these businesses creates a ripple effect that allows them to reinvest in their communities, creating a cycle of opportunities.”

The Airport Authority’s efforts continue to show results. For 2023, there was a 21 percent year-over-year growth in major construction project spending to Local Business Certified (LBC) firms, with more than $32 million awarded to LBCs.

Businesses in the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) category were awarded contracts representing almost $28 million in 2023. The federally funded Quieter Home Program awarded $1.4 million to Small Business Enterprises (SBE).

Join the movement

Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers who must be committed to scaling innovative and intentional solutions in San Diego. Anchors like San Diego County Regional Airport Authority are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy.

*A quality small business job is defined as one provided by a company with fewer than 100 employees and that pays at least $23 per hour and provides healthcare benefits.

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Teddy Martinez
Teddy Martinez

Sr. Manager, Research

EDC designates San Diego’s top computing, engineering, business programs

By San Diego Regional EDC,

To fill talent gaps, regional employers vet training curriculum aligned to industry needs

Together with more than 80 industry representatives, San Diego Regional EDC is proud to announce Advancing San Diego’s newest Verified Programs of 2024: 28 education programs from 15 different institutions that are best preparing students for jobs in computing, engineering, and business.

These programs earned a three-year verification status through a rigorous evaluation process led by Advancing San Diego, the flagship program of EDC’s Talent Initiatives, which serves to double the production of skilled workers in San Diego while prioritizing historically underrepresented populations in the innovation economy. 

San Diego and the nation are grappling with a critical talent supply and demand challenge. Since 2017, San Diego County has experienced a 1.3 percent decline in its working-age population even as jobs have increased by 3.1 percent, intensifying competition for skilled talent. Additionally, 83,000 more jobs now require a bachelor’s degree than in 2016, underscoring the growing demand for advanced training and education alongside skill-based hiring practices.  

At the same time, demographic shifts are reshaping the future workforce. More than 70 percent of San Diego’s K-12 students are people of color, a group that has historically faced systemic barriers to accessing high-wage, high-demand careers. These changes present an opportunity—and an imperative—to invest in training programs that equip local, diverse populations for the region’s most in-demand careers. By expanding access to quality post-secondary education and training, the region can build an inclusive talent pipeline that supports both economic growth and equity in San Diego’s innovation economy.  

“The numbers are clear; the region cannot fill its talent gaps unless we open doors for more San Diegans. Our Advancing San Diego work is part of the solution—connecting industry to vetted local education programs that they might not yet be recruiting from. This new roster, which includes universities, community colleges, adult schools, and more, offers employers a go-to for sourcing qualified and diverse talent, and arms training programs with the boots-on-the-ground intel needed to shape the curricula of the future,” said Taylor Dunne, Director of Talent Initiatives at San Diego Regional EDC.  

How programs are verified

Employers met with and vetted applicants’ curriculum at EDC’s ‘Reaching Tomorrow’s Talent’ event on November 13, which brought together more than 150 businesses, educational programs, and community organizations working to close talent gaps by aligning education with industry needs.  

Status as a Verified Program indicates five critical elements:

  • Alignment of educational curriculum with industry requisites of necessary hard skills (ex: coding)
  • Alignment of educational curriculum with industry requisites of necessary soft skills (ex: problem solving)
  • Continuous engagement with industry
  • Ability to reach and serve a diverse student population
  • Proven history of collaboration along the education continuum and with critical community organizations

By participating in the process, local training programs get an inside look at the most critical skill expectations for students coming out of their programs and begin to explore how those expectations will change as technology and artificial intelligence evolve.  

“Poway Adult School is excited be recognized as an Advancing San Diego Verified Program. We believe that further developing industry partnerships, encouraging reflection on learning objectives, and aligning with the needs of local industries will help set our students up for success as they enter the workforce,” said Kathleen Porter, Executive Director of Career Technical, Adult, and Alternative Education at Poway Unified School District. 

“By equipping students with the skills needed to thrive, we help them transition successfully into the workforce. EDC’s Talent Demand data is an invaluable tool that allows us to align our programs with the skills students need to launch new careers,” said Elizabeth O’Shea-West, Principal at Vista Adult School. 

The 28 programs verified in this round represent more than 79,500 students across San Diego and Imperial Counties, and join a roster of others across key industries including Healthcare, Business, and Life Sciences. Last done in 2020, 10 programs were re-verified while Advancing San Diego welcomed 18 newly verified programs. 

hire summer interns at no cost

With the new designation comes the opportunity for students to take advantage of paid work-based learning experiences. In conjunction with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, companies in  San Diego and Imperial Counties  are invited to apply by February 28, 2025 to host funded computing, engineering, and/or business interns for the  summer of 2025, sourced exclusively from the Verified Programs roster. In 2024, 322 interns were placed at 104 local companies, up from 48 interns placed in 2023, and creating an invaluable bridge between education and industry in high-growth, high-wage fields. Learn more and complete the interest form here. 

“I was drawn to this internship program because of my commitment to social mobility and reducing socioeconomic gaps. Companies have a pivotal role in building a more equitable future, especially by empowering the next generation of talent. My favorite part about working with the Advancing San Diego interns at ChakraTech has been their contagious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the work,” said Ravi Chawla, founder and CEO of ChakraTech, a 2024 summer intern host. 

Learn more at advancingSD.org and explore Verified Programs for other industry clusters here.

Apply by February 28

Verified Programs of BUSINESS

  • California State University San Marcos
  • Cuyamaca College
  • MiraCosta College
  • National University
  • Palomar College
  • Poway Adult School
  • San Diego State university
  • San Diego Community College District – College of Continuing Education
  • UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies
  • UC San Diego Rady School of Management
  • Vista Adult School

Verified Programs of Computing & ENGINEERING

  • California Institute of Applied Technology
  • Cuyamaca College (Engineering)
  • National Foundation for Autism Research
  • National University
  • San Diego City College
  • San diego MiraMar College

Learn More About Advancing San Diego

Inclusive Growth Spotlight: Booz Allen Hamilton

By San Diego Regional EDC,

To celebrate and inspire the efforts of regional employers, EDC’s new Inclusive Growth blog series will highlight San Diego companies helping to drive progress on the 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.

Launched in 2018 and informed by a partnership with the Brookings Institution, the Inclusive Growth initiative sets 2030 goals for San Diego related to increasing: 1) the supply of talent, 2) quality small business jobs, and 3) newly thriving households. The goals inform San Diego’s economic priorities and make the business case for economic inclusion.

Regional talent demand remains high

To maintain economic competitiveness, the region needs 20,000 students per year completing post-secondary education within six years of graduating high school. These include certifications, career technical education, and college degrees. Progress toward the goal has increased incrementally since 2017 yet completions have shown signs of tapering; the region still falls short of the goal; and the local supply of talent continues to be a critical priority for San Diego employers.

Talent scarcity has become the new normal as hiring demand exceeds the supply of talent across industries. Compounding this challenge, student success is demographically uneven in the region. Despite making up 35 percent of the population, Hispanics and Latinos only account for 17 percent of residents over 25 years old with at least a bachelor’s degree. Critical to growing the local talent pool is creating more opportunities for Black and Latino students to succeed. Employer-led talent pipeline development efforts are critical to the future of San Diego’s economy and Booz Allen Hamilton is among those working toward a solution.

Employer-led solutions

Combining 110 years of strategic consulting expertise with the perspectives of diverse talent, Booz Allen leverages innovative solutions for its clients in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, and energy. In the San Diego metro area, Booz Allen employs more than 1,200 people with a range of technical expertise contributing to the region’s reputation as a hub for innovation and a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas.

While San Diego has a highly educated workforce with a proportion of bachelor’s degree holders that is seven percent higher than the national average, Booz Allen is among many employers across San Diego still facing a talent scarcity challenge. A smaller talent pool makes competition for technical professionals more intense, especially as the presence of major tech companies has increased over time and local startups continue to flourish.

To help expand access and exposure to quality jobs in STEM, Booz Allen and the Booz Allen Foundation are deeply committed to supporting San Diego youth.

Here’s how the company is committing to Inclusive Growth:

  • For the past 10 years, Booz Allen has partnered with the USS Midway Museum to offer STEM education programming to elementary and middle school students in Southeast San Diego. This year, the Booz Allen Foundation is underwriting scholarships for 1,000 students, predominantly from Black and Latino communities.
  • Since 2023, the Booz Allen Foundation has provided resources to Southwest San Diego around Lincoln High School (LHS) and its surrounding community. Recognizing that schools are part of a larger ecosystem, the company supported not only LHS but also the elementary and middle schools that feed into it, along with local organizations like Girl Scouts of San Diego and MANA de San Diego with a focus on youth exposure to STEM. Last year, the Foundation supported LHS’s engineering program including its inaugural FIRST robotics team. With this support, the robotics team made the regional robotics competition, earning a spot at the FIRST international championship in Houston. For many participants, this was their first time flying, staying in a hotel, and dining at a sit-down restaurant—a truly life-changing experience. Additionally, LHS students attended the San Diego State University College of Engineering Expo, where they connected with first-generation college students thriving in STEM fields, helping them envision their own future in these careers.
  • The company is also a strong supporter of the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS), a Southeast San Diego-based organization that has provided equitable access to STEM since the 1960s. EIS has partnered with the Booz Allen Foundation to take its mission to new heights. Together, they are developing new AI programming and teacher training to stay ahead of rapidly changing technology, providing stipends for internships to help talented students earn money while advancing their education and careers, funding scholarships for students to attend EIS STEM camps, facilitating volunteer days to support the community, among other efforts.
  • Lastly, the Booz Allen Foundation is proud to support Rady Children’s Hospital’s Medical Academy, which provides high school students with valuable learning opportunities in healthcare. Through its Equity Grant, the hospital is connecting students with Booz Allen employees to explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and its emerging applications in healthcare. This initiative empowers students to gain exposure to cutting-edge technology, expanding their career possibilities in both healthcare and AI, and preparing them for success in these high-demand fields.

Join the movement

Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers who must be committed to scaling innovative and intentional solutions in San Diego. Companies like Booz Allen are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy.

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Teddy Martinez
Teddy Martinez

Sr. Manager, Research

How Advancing San Diego funded internships help students and businesses

By Olivia Jones,

Advancing San Diego: Bridging education and industry

EDC’s Advancing San Diego (ASD) internship program, run in partnership with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative and Imperial Valley EDC, has transformed how students across San Diego gain early career experience, while helping local businesses address talent needs. In summer 2024, the ASD program placed 358 interns at 104 companies across San Diego and Imperial Counties, creating an invaluable bridge between education and industry in high-growth, high-wage fields like engineering, computing, and business. That’s up from 48 interns placed in summer 2023. This program plays a crucial role in addressing regional talent shortages, helping local companies access vetted, diverse talent and offering students paid, hands-on learning opportunities in high-demand industries.

Summer 2024 by the numbers

*Priority populations include low-income individuals, first-generation college students, current community college students or community college transfers, veterans and active-duty military students, and students with disabilities

Addressing the talent gap with community impact

At the heart of ASD’s mission is a commitment to reaching under-resourced communities, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds gain valuable career experience while helping local businesses address critical talent needs. Companies apply each year by early spring to host students from Advancing San Diego Verified Programs to be interns. These Verified Programs are selected based on industry-determined criteria, including industry engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as curriculum that teaches the most in-demand skills in computing, engineering, and business. This approach ensures that students’ skills align with evolving workforce demands, enhancing the overall impact of the internship experience.

Once companies are selected, students from Verified Programs apply for their top five preferred positions. There are not enough positions for every student, so those who identify with the program’s priority populations get preferred access to available positions, with 73 percent of the interns identifying with one or more of the priority populations this past summer. Importantly, ASD provides financial support through the K-16 Collaborative, covering competitive intern wages and saving local companies more than $2 million in payroll costs, ensuring businesses can prioritize mentorship and on-the-job training over recruitment logistics.

Real-world experience and career advancement

Every year the ASD internship program provides students with valuable work experience directly linked to their academic pursuits, equipping them with practical skills and career confidence. At the same time, EDC’s program enables companies to benefit from student contributions, with a 17 percent conversion rate of interns into full-time employees in 2024. For employers, this means reduced time spent on recruitment and a pipeline of highly motivated, well-prepared candidates who bring immediate value.

“I was drawn to this internship program because of my commitment to social mobility and reducing socioeconomic gaps. Companies have a pivotal role in building a more equitable future, especially by empowering the next generation of talent. My favorite part about working with the Advancing San Diego interns at ChakraTech has been their contagious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the work.”

—Ravi Chawla, founder and CEO of ChakraTech; ASD summer intern host

Is your company interested in hosting summer interns in 2025?

LET US KNOW BY FILLING OUT THIS FORM

Learn how employers can bolster the local talent pipeline

Read our op-ed

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Olivia Jones
Olivia Jones

Coordinator, Talent Initiatives

Host summer interns at no cost

By Olivia Jones,

Funded summer internship program 2025

In conjunction with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, companies in San Diego and Imperial Counties are invited to apply to host funded computing, engineering, and/or business interns for the summer of 2025.

Internship applicants will be sourced through Advancing San Diego’s Verified Programs, ensuring they are learning the industry’s most in-demand skills. Intern host companies will have the chance to interview and select candidates from a pre-screened pool of students. This is a great opportunity for companies to strengthen and diversify talent pipelines and fill shortages for critical jobs. Read how Rady’s Children’s Hospital leveraged an Advancing San Diego paid internship program to help solve their talent shortages. Applications due February 28, 2025.

Application

2025 TIMELINE

  • February 28: Intern host applications due
  • March 5: Intern hosts are selected
  • March 6—April 18:Work Site visit by Manpower, Employer of Record (EOR). Site visits for approved in-person and hybrid sites.
  • April 8, 8:30 a.m.: Company onboarding session*
  • April 21—May 9: Companies review and interview student applicants*
  • June 2—June 23: Students begin internships (flexible start date)

*Intern supervisors must be available these dates.

AVAILABLE TALENT
Below are sample positions, considering student ability based on Verified Program criteria. Companies will be asked to alter these job descriptions to fit their unique company needs.

COMPUTING INTERNSHIPS

ENGINEERING INTERNSHIPS

BUSINESS INTERNSHIPS

Questions? Contact EDC:

Olivia Jones
Olivia Jones

Coordinator, Talent Initiatives

Harnessing the power of cross-border manufacturing in San Diego

By Lindsey Silvia ,

This blog post is a part of a larger series in celebration of Manufacturing Month, sharing key trends from our report on San Diego’s Manufacturing sector.

READ THE NEW REPORT

Cross-border manufacturing in San Diego has significant untapped potential. With five ports of entry, the Baja California region is one of the most accessible and lucrative for international expansion. While some companies are just beginning to explore it, many of San Diego’s most successful, innovative brands have already established a manufacturing presence in Tijuana and surrounding cities.

According to Tijuana EDC, Baja California already has 960 manufacturing facilities with plenty of room for growth. The manufacturing industry represents 65 percent of Tijuana’s GDP. Just 30 minutes to the south, manufacturing in Mexico offers cost effective products without compromising quality, backed by a steady supply of highly skilled labor.

Here are three common myths about cross-border manufacturing and how San Diego companies have been able to flourish in the binational region.

    1. The myth: Lack of infrastructure makes it more expensive to manufacture in Mexico than advertised.

      The region has made significant strides with modernizing infrastructure including upgrades to many points of entry. For example, major investments in the Otay Mesa II Port of Entry, funded primarily by the US, are set to reduce traffic congestion by up to 50 percent. This improvement will further enhance the cost efficiency of cross-border trade and manufacturing operations, making it even more attractive for San Diego companies to consider these opportunities.

      Taylor Guitars is a prime example of a San Diego company benefiting from cross-border manufacturing. Its operations in Tecate are thriving due to cultural alignment and strategic advantages. A business leader at Taylor Guitars highlights the key benefits and programs it utilizes, such as the IMMEX program, which allows temporary importation of goods that are transformed or repaired and then exported.

      “Manufacturing in both San Diego and Tecate gives Taylor Guitars a competitive advantage. Our Tecate operation allows us to produce quality guitars at accessible price points, reaching a broader audience, while our San Diego facility focuses on more specialized, premium instruments. Together, they enable us to deliver a diverse range of products without compromising on craftsmanship or innovation.”

      – Ed Granero, VP of Product Development, Taylor Guitars

    1. The myth: Mexico doesn’t offer high-quality manufacturing. 

      Many manufacturers in Tijuana work with leading global companies in high tech industries including Medical Devices, Electronics, Automotive and Aerospace. These companies require high quality and rigorous quality control measures to ensure compliance with international standards. For instance, ResMed operates a manufacturing facility in Tijuana, producing advanced medical devices like CPAP machines with stringent quality assurance protocols. Similarly, other high-tech firms like Qualcomm and Medtronic trust local partners to deliver precision-engineered products that comply with their exacting requirements.

    1. The myth: There isn’t a strong talent pipeline present in Mexico.

      The presence of high-quality manufacturing and modernized infrastructure is complemented by access to a highly capable talent pool, supported by top universities in Tijuana and advanced manufacturing capabilities in the region.

      Tijuana provides a hub for a strong pool of high-skilled workers. Baja California is home to many world class universities, 37 of which are in Tijuana. Among these include top-rated schools University of Tijuana and the Tijuana Institute of Technology, which contribute to more than 3,700 annual degrees in STEM fields. Many graduates choose to remain in the region, where they can live at a lower cost and help drive the local economic growth.

Cross-border manufacturing offers San Diego companies a powerful combination of cost efficiency, advanced capabilities, and access to world class talent. By leveraging the benefits of San Diego’s proximity and relationship with Baja California, manufacturing companies not only reduce their costs but also enhance production capabilities and increase competitiveness. As infrastructure investments continue to improve cross-border logistics, and with the support of programs like IMMEX, the future looks bright for San Diego’s cross-border manufacturing landscape.

Resources to explore cross-border trade opportunities

  • World Trade Center San Diego and its Export Specialty Center works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.
  • Tijuana EDC provides specialized business consulting and logistics services for companies that are considering choosing contract manufacturing in Mexico to grow.

This blog post is a part of a larger series in celebration of Manufacturing Month. Click here to look at our previous deep dive on San Diego’s strong manufacturing talent pool. To read our full analytical manufacturing report click here.

Building a bright future: The faces of San Diego Manufacturing

By Lindsey Silvia ,

This blog post is a part of a larger series in celebration of Manufacturing Month, sharing key trends from our report on San Diego’s Manufacturing sector.

READ THE full REPORT

San Diego’s Manufacturing sector is not just a cornerstone of the local economy; it also provides unique and well-paying career opportunities for San Diegans with great prospects for advancement. With an average wage of $103,000 per year, manufacturing jobs in San Diego pay 31 percent more than non-manufacturing jobs in the region on average. The industry supports approximately 100,000 jobs across a diverse array of industries including Craft Brewing, Life Sciences, Aerospace, and Tech as well as emerging fields like Cleantech.

Talent is a key driver for many manufacturers looking to setup or expand in the region. Companies are actively seeking local graduates, offering summer internships, and creating opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented communities. This proactive approach to talent acquisition ensures that manufacturers in San Diego continue to thrive and innovate—and supports real San Diegans in building meaningful careers.

EDC sat down with a few local manufacturing experts to hear their experiences and insights. The goal is to showcase the diverse range of individuals and companies within the manufacturing sector and highlight the opportunities available to those interested in pursuing a career in this industry.

Employee spotlights: Real stories, real success

ASML: Working at the cutting edge of technology

Austin graduated with a degree in materials physics from UC San Diego in 2021 and holds a master’s in engineering from UC Irvine. After his stint in Orange County, he was determined to build a life in San Diego and returned to the area seeking a career in manufacturing. Although his education opened doors at top companies nationwide, Austin knew San Diego was home and was determined to carve his path here. With experience in research, he pivoted to manufacturing where he could see the direct impact of his work. Now working at local tech giant ASML on the New Product Introduction team, he integrates new products into the manufacturing process and ensures they meet customer expectations. Reflecting on his journey, Austin emphasized the importance of internships for gaining industry exposure and building professional networks. His connection to the San Diego community, formed during his undergraduate studies, has motivated him to pursue a career in the region. Austin is optimistic about the future of the semiconductor industry, noting its growth and increasing demand for chips driven by AI, and computing and electric vehicles.

TriLink BioTechnologies: Cultivating a culture of quality and inclusion

Jennifer is a dedicated member of the TriLink BioTechnologies team, part of the Maravai LifeSciences parent company, which helps other businesses develop and manufacture products vital for understanding genetic processes and developing biotechnological applications like vaccines and gene therapies. A graduate of UC San Diego, Jennifer started her career as a lab assistant in 2001, and over the years has taken on multiple roles leading to her current role as Associate Director for Quality Product Lifestyle, where she is dedicated to enhancing quality control within the company. Jennifer is passionate about mentoring and advancing female leadership in the Life Sciences industry, aiming to elevate women in executive roles. She values San Diego’s collaborative Life Sciences ecosystem, where companies share knowledge to develop life-saving treatments.

Dr. Bronner’s: Growing up in the culture of care

Blanca has navigated an inspiring career since joining Dr. Bronner’s in 2007. Joining the Vista-based company directly out of high school, she found her niche in manufacturing, driven by passion for the products she helps create. Over the years, Blanca has ascended through various roles, culminating in her current position as Director of Production. She cherishes the culture at Dr. Bronner’s, which prioritizes employee care and work-life balance, and she appreciates the company’s approach to challenges like the high cost of living in San Diego. Blanca’s experience as a woman in a traditionally male dominated industry has equipped her with resilience and determination, and inspired her advocacy for other women. Her passion for San Diego’s vibrant, inclusive culture mirrors her dedication to shaping manufacturing in the region.

Finding skilled talent for your manufacturing facilities

San Diego’s manufacturing sector is not only an economic force but it’s also a community of innovators and skilled technicians where professionals like Austin, Jennifer, and Blanca have built rewarding careers with opportunities for advancement. More than offering a job, this industry can provide fulfilment and a well-balanced and thriving lifestyle in the San Diego region.

If you’re a manufacturer looking for skilled talent like those profiled above, leverage these recruiting tools:

  • Develop an apprenticeship program: In partnership with Apprenti, EDC can assist companies with establishing apprenticeship programs in non-traditional fields like advanced manufacturing, information technology, cybersecurity, and more.
  • Connect with Verified Programs: To strengthen your company’s talent pipeline, EDC can connect employers with local post-secondary training programs that have been vetted and recognized for strong efforts to teach relevant curriculum and serve a diverse student body.

What’s next?

This blog post is a part of a larger series in celebration of Manufacturing Month. Click here to look at our previous deep dive on San Diego’s unique manufacturing strengths and opportunities. To read our full analytical manufacturing report click here.

Op-ed: Employers can bolster the local talent pipeline. Here’s how.

By Sidd Vivek, Mark Cafferty, and Dr. Sunita Cooke,

Op-ed originally published by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Authored by Sidd Vivek, President and CEO at Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties; Mark Cafferty, President and CEO at San Diego Regional EDC; and Dr. Sunita Cooke, President and Superintendent at MiraCosta College

The success of our regional economy hinges on more than the businesses that power it; it thrives when our community, education systems, and industry come together to create opportunities that benefit all San Diegans. Internships and career-connected learning are key to aligning local students with regional jobs and overcoming the talent shortages threatening our economic competitiveness.

Demand for workers in the innovation economy is set to double over the next few years, making it imperative to connect young people to career pathways and professional networks in San Diego’s leading industries. Talent from historically underserved communities remains heavily underrepresented in the local innovation economy; in fact, Black and Hispanic people comprise 50 percent of the region’s K-12 population but only 24 percent of innovation cluster workers. Supporting these youth in accessing high-growth, sustainable careers is key to addressing San Diego’s socioeconomic disparities and creating a talent surplus.

That’s why, together with key local partners, San Diego Regional EDC is focused on placing students in paid work-based experiences and/or internships across the region. In collaboration with the Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, Imperial Valley EDC, Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties, and the County of San Diego led by Chair Nora Vargas, 443 local youth were placed in paid summer internships and/or work-based learning experiences at more than 125 businesses across San Diego and Imperial Counties including Illumina, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton and Cox Communications and many small businesses. Through local industry partners—and supplemented by philanthropy—students were paid more than $2.7 million in collective wages and employer support services, and many are already being hired on for full-time opportunities. This work goes beyond offering students a paycheck—transforming futures and driving long-term economic growth for San Diego.

When employers invest in career-connected learning experiences, they address both immediate staffing needs and strategically build a future workforce pipeline tailored to their skills demands. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, approximately 72 percent of US companies will offer their interns full-time positions, and 80 percent of employers cited their internship programs as the talent acquisition technique with the best return on investment.

It is not just businesses that benefit. Forbes reported that students who completed paid internships receive twice as many job offers and secure a higher first-year salary than students with no internship experience, even when controlling for industry and demographic data.

Work-based learning equips students with industry tools and professional skills while helping them identify career paths aligned with their strengths and build a network of support for the future. Young people’s creativity and diverse perspectives can spark fresh ideas that drive businesses forward. As more students transition from interns to full-time roles, they mentor the next generation, creating a self-sustaining growth cycle that fuels innovation and economic mobility across San Diego and Imperial Counties.

This complex work requires cross-sector collaboration, from K-12 school districts and nonprofits to community colleges, universities, and employers who need the talent to fill critical functions. For our region—we must keep our sights set on fostering innovation, connecting youth to in-demand, sustainable wage career pathways, and building a talent pool that reflects our people.

With students back in school for the fall, we invite our regional businesses to join us in this vital work. From participation in career panels to hosting work-based learning for high school students or post-secondary apprentices and interns, a commitment by San Diego’s companies will be the difference-maker for this region and our youth.

It is only with and through San Diego’s employers that we can meet our Inclusive Growth goals, and ensure our economy remains competitive, innovative, and resilient for years to come. The benefits are clear: stronger businesses empowered students, and a vibrant, accessible economy that works for everyone.

What’s next?

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Bridgette Coleman
Bridgette Coleman

Manager, Talent Initiatives