Workforce Advocacy
Challenges, Gaps, and Opportunities
Slow curriculum timelines→ create an accelerated review lane for qualifying programs in emerging industries and priority occupations; essential for responsiveness and Workforce Pell.
Limited student-level wage/employment data → pursue a statewide legislative mandate for CCC access, similar to UC/CSU access.
- Regional update to SDICCCA here (fall 2026)
Reduced CTE investment → restore Strong Workforce Program funding toward original levels.
- SDCCD SWP Talking Points (fall 2024)
Uneven career-service capacity→ establish categorical support for career services tied to WBL reporting and outcomes.
Employer engagement barriers → Make it easier for employers to hire and mentor community college interns. California could establish statewide employer incentives—such as wage reimbursements or tax credits—to expand paid internships and work-based learning. Connecting incentives to college pathways, structured learning, and employer mentorship would help students gain experience while building a stronger regional talent pipeline.
Past Efforts:
- AB311 - Ensuring SWP may be used for paid Work-Based Learning
- Learning Aligned Employer Program (LAEP) – follow this link to learn more about the past SDCCD LAEP efforts and activities