San Diego and Imperial entrepreneurs join forces to close talent gap

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced the designation of 30 new verified training programs that prepare students for jobs in technology and engineering.

These programs, representing 16 different institutions in San Diego and Imperial counties, were verified by a panel of employers in the region as best preparing students for industry needs.

“San Diego employers are looking for skilled workers in technology and engineering, and these verified programs help ensure students have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these jobs,” said Taylor Dunne, EDC’s director of talent initiatives.

Verified programs must meet a number of criteria, including:

• Alignment of curriculum with industry needs in hard and soft skills
• Ongoing commitment to industry
• Ability to reach a diverse student population
• Demonstrated history of collaboration with community organizations
• The 30 programs verified in this round represent 31,000 students and join a list of 21 others in key sectors such as healthcare, business and life sciences.

“Participation in the Advancing San Diego Verified Program process is always beneficial to our programs, as it encourages further reflection on learning objectives and local industry needs,” said Dr. Lynn Neault, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District and EDC board member. “From engineering to nursing to skilled trades, we know how important it is for our district’s colleges to provide training to build a strong talent pipeline for our community. We are honored to be recognized as part of the region’s Verified Programs.”

With the new designation comes the opportunity for students in publicly funded programs to take advantage of paid work-based learning experiences. In conjunction with Border Region Talent Pipeline K-16 Collaborative, companies in San Diego and Imperial counties are invited to apply to host funded interns in computer science, engineering and/or business for the summer of 2024, drawn exclusively from the Verified Programs roster.

“Left Coast Engineering has hired brilliant local students from funded internship programs like this for three summers and we are always pleased with their preparation and professionalism,” said Anita Baranowski, CEO of Left Coast Engineering. “As a small engineering design firm, we are grateful for the opportunity to expand our workforce and support the work and training of local students as part of Advancing San Diego, all without increasing our payroll.”