San Joaquin County’s GoSJ Initiative Strengthens the Workforce Through Powerful Partnerships

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San Joaquin County’s diverse workforce encompasses a wide range of industries, from agriculture and health care to manufacturing and logistics. 

An emphasis on education and skills training ensures a steady stream of talent continues to flow to high-demand sectors. The recent GoSJ initiative is helping keep the talent pipeline strong, connecting local businesses, job seekers and training programs. 

Jeff Adkins

Digital Career Connector 

“The launch of the GoSJ website marks a significant milestone in our efforts to attract new businesses to San Joaquin County,” says Bob Gutierrez, president and CEO of San Joaquin Partnership. 

As part of the initiative, the website is a one-stop shop for young professionals looking to learn new skills and advance their careers. In addition to job listings, the website lists training programs and educational opportunities offered by the initiative’s partner organizations, which include the San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium, the San Joaquin County Office of Education, San Joaquin Delta College and San Joaquin County WorkNet. 

“This platform not only showcases the unique advantages our county offers but also provides employers with the essential resources and information they need to invest and grow here,” Gutierrez says. “We are confident that GoSJ will be a powerful tool in driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for our community.” 

Jeff Adkins

Professional Development for All Ages 

The region’s public middle schools and high schools offer career and technical education (CTE) programs in 58 career pathways that cater to both student interests and industry needs. Many of these programs are aligned with local community college certificate and degree pathways, allowing students to begin working toward in-demand careers while completing their high school diplomas. 

San Joaquin Delta College’s Strong Workforce Program works to increase CTE enrollment by partnering with local schools to offer fast-track courses and apprenticeships in areas such as engineering, automotive technology, welding and registered nursing. 

“Delta College is a key partner when it comes to workforce development in San Joaquin County and beyond,” says Alex Breitler, director of marketing and communications for San Joaquin Delta College. 

For its part, San Joaquin Delta College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for immediate entry into the workforce or to enhance their professional qualifications. The shortened time frame for certificate programs makes it easier for working adults to earn the credentials they need to jump-start their careers. 

“We work closely with regional adult education schools to help returning adult students realize their dreams of attending college,” Breitler says. “What’s more, a local consortium known as the Delta Sierra Adult Education Alliance brings together not only Delta College and the adult schools, but also county offices of education, government agencies and community organizations.” 

Jeff Adkins

Workforce Centers and Resources 

San Joaquin County WorkNet, a program of the San Joaquin County Employment & Economic Development Department, helps connect community members to skills training programs and other resources to help them with career readiness. 

“We operate five centers in San Joaquin County, and all of our centers are equipped with resources for job seekers to enter or reenter the workplace – whether it be their first job, another job or a better job,” says Patricia Virgen, executive director of the San Joaquin County Employment & Economic Development Department. “We’ve got everything job seekers might need, from phones and fax to computers, paper and pencil. We also help with resumes and job referrals.” 

WorkNet will also pay for career and technical education training – up to $7,500 – at adult schools and local technical and community colleges for job seekers needing to upskill. 

Virgen also says GoSJ will make San Joaquin County even more attractive to relocating and expanding businesses. 

“When companies see that there is a strong partnership between the workforce and the education system, there’s more incentive to get involved here,” she says. “We’re providing a platform for employers to let us know what they need – whether it be training programs or hiring.”