Every San Diegan — no matter their zip code — should have the resources and support to secure stable, good-paying jobs.
That belief continues to guide the San Diego Workforce Partnership, as we continue to celebrate the opening of our South Bay Career Center at 333 H St. in Chula Vista and what it means for South Bay residents in the new year.
Although only a short drive from its previous location on Bay Boulevard, relocating career services to a more centralized, transit-accessible location will make it easier for residents to get needed support — cutting travel times or logistical barriers as they seek new opportunities.
South Bay is home to hardworking families and major regional industries, yet persistent disparities remain. Half a million residents live within five miles of the new center, but unemployment stands at 8% — nearly twice the county’s current rate of 4.4%.
Late last year, we unveiled the Workforce Needs & Assets Map, a digital tool built in partnership with the San Diego Policy & Innovation Center that visualizes where opportunity is limited and where resources exist to close those gaps. Its findings reinforce what South Bay communities have long known: they face some of the greatest barriers to economic mobility.
The new center is designed to help turn a new year into a new beginning, connecting residents to jobs, training and education.
Our South Bay staff supports nearly 18,000 job seekers annually, and we expect that number to grow. Our doors our open, with walk-in services available to all and paid training and individualized support for eligible participants.
This center strengthens a region essential to our local economy at a pivotal moment in its growth, amid emerging job opportunities in tourism, hospitality and healthcare, with over 11,000 businesses employing over 100,000 workers. SDWP worked alongside the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center to successfully connect hundreds to new career opportunities — and we’re looking forward to continuing that partnership as new jobs come online.
By positioning the center closer to where people live and where jobs are growing, we’re helping ensure residents can access opportunity without leaving their community.
As we look ahead, the South Bay Career Center renews SDWP’s commitment to ensuring every community has a clear pathway to opportunity. We invite anyone seeking a job, a better job or a fresh start to walk through our doors — we’re here to help you take the next step.
Rachel Bereza is a resident of Spring Valley and the President and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
