Written by Elina Liner
In light of the high unemployment and ravaged economy due to Gov. Newsom’s COVID-19 lockdowns, San Diego Workforce Partnership is connecting with local businesses to further expand its Construction Career Jumpstart program across several industries.
The program is designed to develop a qualified talent pipeline with the aim of meeting San Diego employers’ needs. San Diego residents who qualify will be given the opportunity to be trained for careers in the region’s growing energy, construction, and utility sectors.
As of today, 19 out 20 graduates have received full-time job offers and the entry-level positions start above the minimum wage at $19 an hour.
The training was made possible thanks to a $136,000 grant from San Diego Gas & Electric. Nancy Smith-Taylor, SDG&E’s director of diversity and workforce management stated, “Programs like this are more important than ever to offer a path to earning a living wage and more secure jobs.”
SDG&E has committed to further fund a portion of the expanded program. To qualify, applicants must be a San Diego resident, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid CA driver’s license, and show need for the program based on household income or public assistance. Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend once the training is completed. This training sets the stage for eligible participants to work their way up the ladder into much higher-paying jobs, some paying upwards of $60,000.
For details on how to get started, see workforce.org/ccj.
