Take action as an education provider
Employer working groups outline the most important skills for entry-level talent in high demand fields such as software, engineering, and business. See the Talent Demand reports in the following industries:
Education programs that are providing training that industry looks for in entry-level talent can be publicly recognized as Verified Programs of talent (formerly called ‘Preferred Providers’). Regardless of whether your program is selected as a Verified Program, all applicants receive feedback from employers in the review process.
Closed application rounds; see designated programs below:
- Engineering (Closed June 2020)
- Business (Closed September 2020)
- Software (Closed January 2021)
- Manufacturing (Closed March 2021)
- Healthcare (Closed August 2021)
- Life Sciences (Closed February 2022)
Verified Programs
Verified Programs are education providers recognized by employers as delivering the top-quality training for high-demand jobs across San Diego County. Through a competitive application process, Verified Programs are evaluated annually against a skills-based criteria developed by industry, a commitment to industry engagement, and their ability to reach and serve a diverse student body. Since 2020, EDC has worked with employers to select Verified Programs in the fields of software engineering, general engineering, business, manufacturing, healthcare, and most recently, life sciences.
If you are a company interested in recruiting entry-level talent or interns from these programs, we encourage companies to reach out to EDC or the Verified Programs directly using the contact information provided in the map below.
California State University San Marcos
Center for Employment Training
Concorde Career College
Creating Coding Careers
Health Occupations Center
MiraCosta College
MiraCosta College – Technology Career Institute
National Foundation for Autism Research
National University
Palomar College
Pima Medical Institute
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego City College
San Diego College of Continuing Education
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego State University
Southwestern Community College
The League of Amazing Programmers
UC San Diego
UC San Diego Extended Studies
University of San Diego
Workshops for Warriors
California State University San Marcos
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) serves 17,000 students in north county San Diego, the majority of whom are from San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, CSUSM is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of software, engineering, and business talent.
Software Talent
CSUSM is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the full level for providing quality training for entry-level software jobs. In 2018, CSUSM launched a new major – Bachelor of Science in software engineering – which emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications with substantial laboratory work, covering software processes, agile approaches, requirements engineering, software analysis and design, implementation, verification, and validation.
Contact California State University San Marcos - Software Talent
Engineering Talent
CSUSM is recognized as a Preferred Provider of engineering talent at the partial level for providing quality training for engineering internships. Following preparatory courses in mathematics, physics, and computer science, core courses and electives cover a wide range of topics including digital and analog electronic circuits and systems, microcontrollers, control systems, electric power, electromagnetics, and signal processing. All students take courses that include laboratory activities, and are required to complete a senior research project, which involves planning, design, implementation, documentation, and presentation.
Contact California State University San Marcos - Engineering Talent
Business Talent
CSUSM is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business at the general level for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. The College of Business Administration at California State University San Marcos offers leading bachelor’s programs, which are shaped by market-driven curriculum and world-class faculty. Their Professional Mentoring Program is improving the professional and soft skill development areas that area employers have identified as a critical need. In addition, the college has established a new mandatory Business Professional Development Program for sophomores and transfer students, guided by volunteer Executives in Residence.
Contact California State University San Marcos - Business Talent
Center for Employment Training
CET’s job training programs teach marketable skills to people of all educational levels and backgrounds, even if there are barriers to overcome. In addition to teaching trade skills in growing fields, we provide supportive services and job placement assistance. The Center for Employment Training is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.
Healthcare Talent
Through the Medical Assistant Program the Center for Employment Training provides hands-on healthcare job training program, provides students with the skills they need to start their career as a medical assistant. Learning in work setting, such as, perform administrative and clinical duties, including taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, drawing blood, scheduling, and preparing patients for examination.
Concorde Career College
Concorde Career Colleges, Inc. prepares America’s next generation of health care and dental professionals through career-focused, hands-on training, and teaching. Concorde incorporated in 1988, many of their campuses have been serving their local communities for 50+ years. The Concorde Career Colleges is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.
Healthcare Talent
The Medical Assistant program at Concorde Career College prepares students for a diploma with hands-on classes and externships that teach you skills such as scheduling and receiving patients, preparing and maintaining medical records, infection control and much more. The Medical Assistant program is offered at all 16 Concorde campuses.
Creating Coding Careers
Creating Code Careers offers a year-long software development apprenticeship program. Creating Code Careers is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of software talent.
Software Talent
Creating Code Careers is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the full level for providing quality training for entry-level software jobs. Through Creating Code Careers’ year-long software development apprenticeship program, apprentices get paid to learn software development and gain real-world experience working on projects through partner companies and contract work that the institution oversees.
Health Occupations Center
The Health Occupations Center is to provide affordable quality education for those interested in employment preparation, skill advancement, and/or personal fulfillment in health-related fields. Grossmont Adult Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Health Occupation Center is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.
Healthcare Talent
Health Occupations Center is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for entry level medical assistants. The Health Occupations Center’s Medical Assistant Program is designed to teach students clinical skills such as preparing the patient for exams, giving injections, and performing basic lab tests. As well as, be cross-trained in front office procedures, and 150 hours of required internship at the end of the course gives students hands-on experience in the field.
MiraCosta College
MiraCosta College is a public community college serving 17,000 students in north county San Diego. MiraCosta is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of software talent, business talent, healthcare, and life sciences talent.
Software Talent
MiraCosta is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the partial level for providing quality training for software internships. Designed using program metrics defined by the Association for Computing Machinery, including communication and collaboration in a team, MiraCosta’s program provides students with fundamental skills in software engineering as well as an easy pathway for students to transfer into university for computer science.
Business Talent
MiraCosta is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent at the general level for providing quality training for entry level business jobs and internships. Whether students are planning to transfer as a business major or obtain immediate workplace advancement, MiraCosta’s Business Administration program is poised to teach students the skills they need.
Healthcare Talent
MiraCosta is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assistant Program prepares students for employment as a medical assistant under the direction of a physician or registered nurse in a clinical or office setting. The curriculum is designed to provide training in administrative (front office) and clinical (back office medical assisting skills). Instruction is given in basic medical office procedures, assisting with examinations, laboratory procedures, electrocardiography, and patient advocacy.
Cybersecurity Talent
MiraCosta’s Associate of Science System Administration Degree prepares individuals for careers in computer networking network administration, enterprise networking, and internet or intranet administration. Graduates are prepared for jobs that tend to feed into careers in Cybersecurity. Additionally, MiraCosta’s Associate of Science Cybersecurity Certificate of Achievement, is designed to directly prepare students for roles in cybersecurity. Certificate completion results in mastery of fundamentals of computer hardware and software, networks, and security; ethical hacking; cyber analytics, and legal issues surrounding cybersecurity.
Life Sciences Talent
MiraCosta College’s Research & Development (Certificate/AS) is designed to meet the increasing need for entry-level laboratory technicians. Technicians in this field must be proficient in the application of the scientific methodology to solve problems. They must learn and implement laboratory procedures and use specialized laboratory equipment. Competency in organizational, computational, and communication skills is required. This program is designed to give students the theoretical background and practical experience necessary to be a bench-level scientists in both academic and industrial settings. Graduates of this biotechnology program can expect to be employed in various capacities, including quality control, applied research, product development, analytical testing, and academic (basic) research.
Life Sciences Talent
MiraCosta College’s Biomanufacturing Bachelor’s Degree develops the skills, abilities, and knowledge students need to work in the unique environment of biological production. It emphasizes the applied, quantitative analysis of biomanufacturing process design and performance to prepare students for employment in technical or quality positions in the manufacturing sector of the biotechnology industry, which includes biotherapeutics, diagnostics, supplies and services, and industrial products. Students gain hands-on experience with laboratory-scale equipment for the genetic manipulation of cells, culture of microbial and mammalian cells, purification of proteins, and evaluation of products via assay design and deployment. Students also gain experience with Design of Experiments, as well as data trending.
MiraCosta College – Technology Career Institute
MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute (TCI) is part of MiraCosta College’s Community Education & Workforce Development department. They offer our local community members the opportunity to enhance their lives and careers with low cost, hassle-free classes, workshops and programs.
Manufacturing Talent
MiraCosta is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level engineering technician and machinist jobs. The Technology Career Institute’s Machinist Technology Program is designed to prepare students with skills to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. The Engineering Technology Program integrates theory and application in mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, fluid power, automation, robotics and computer software. Students will experience an accelerated program designed to prepare them with the skill sets to qualify for immediate entry into positions with local industry.
Contact MiraCosta College – Technology Career Institute - Manufacturing Talent
National Foundation for Autism Research
Since 2015, NFARs signature vocational training programs have been providing comprehensive, autism-specific training for high-demand jobs of the 21st century. NFAR also partners with companies across a wide range of industries to open the doors to employment for more people with autism, and helps to ensure a higher probability of long-term employment success.
Cybersecurity Talent
The NFAR Cyber program is comprehensive vocational training program specifically designed to prepare young adults on the autism spectrum for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity. The program attracts and recruits individuals who have a strong interest in technical applications.
Contact National Foundation for Autism Research - Cybersecurity Talent
National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher learning in California and 12th-largest in the nation. It was among the first to recognize and focus on the unique needs of nontraditional learners. Its distinctive and intensive one-course-per-month format, multiple locations, and onsite and online programs enable students to complete graduate and undergraduate degrees in an accelerated time frame while maintaining family and work responsibilities. National University is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent.
Business Talent
National University is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent at the general level for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree prepares students for career opportunities and advancement in business and industry.
Cybersecurity Talent
National University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program prepares students to become top security analysts, network defenders, and computer incident responders with coursework that gives them a comprehensive understanding of information technology management and security processes. Our curriculum is taught by expert faculty with real-world experience so you can gain the competencies needed in the field. Each course is only four weeks long, so the program can be completed in a shorter time frame than a traditional bachelor’s degree.
Palomar College
Palomar College is a public two-year community college. The Palomar campus is located in San Marcos, California, approximately 30 miles north of San Diego. Palomar enrolls approximately 30,000 full-time and part-time students. At Palomar, students may choose from over 200 associate degree and certificate programs, complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree, or enjoy personal enrichment classes for lifelong learning.
Manufacturing Talent
Palomar is recognized as a Preferred Provider of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level machinist jobs. The Machining Technology Program will provide a foundation of design and manufacturing skills using Computer-Aided Manufacturing software, programming CNC machinery using MasterCAM, and the setup and operations of CNC Lathes, CNC Mills, and 5-Axis CNC Mills. Upon completion of this program, students will be qualified for an entry-level position in Machining and Manufacturing.
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute has proudly served the San Diego community at our San Marcos campus since 1998. The Pima Medical Institute is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of healthcare talent.
Healthcare Talent
Pima Medical Institute is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assisting Program provides students with knowledge of anatomy and physiology, routine laboratory procedures and patient care procedures commonly performed in medical offices. Pima Medical Institute prepares its students to begin their careers upon earning their medical assistant certificate.
Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts institution serving 3,179 students in Point Loma. PLNU is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of life sciences talent.
Life Sciences Talent
Point Loma Nazarene University’s Biology-Chemistry, B.S. combines the study of matter (chemistry) with the study of life (biology). This joint major between PLNU’s Biology Department and Chemistry Department is designed to study and understand life at the molecular level. Through courses in cell biology, organic chemistry, immunology, and more, as well as hands-on research labs, students work to uncover how chemical structures, reactions, and interactions affect living things. Students gain the foundation and skills to engage in scientific investigation and become prepared for work or research in industries like pharmacology, biotechnology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and many others.
Contact Point Loma Nazarene University - Life Sciences Talent
San Diego City College
San Diego City College is a multicultural institution committed to providing open access to all who can benefit from instruction and to meeting the diverse and ever-changing educational, cultural, and economic needs of the urban core and surrounding communities of San Diego.
Manufacturing Talent
City College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level engineering technician and machinist jobs. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFET) Program provides students the opportunity to acquire highly valued skills in an innovative, hands-on learning environment. The program features integrating experiences through which students participate in all aspects of a manufacturing enterprise, from materials and processes to safety, design, automation, maintenance, Six Sigma quality, and lean manufacturing. The Machine Technology (MACT) Program prepares students for CNC machining and is also ideal for students who need to upgrade prior machine shop training to comply with the current needs of industry. This program provides students with hands-on learning using state-of-the-art equipment and latest software such as Mastercam.
Cybersecurity Talent
The A.S. in Information Technology Management, and other micro-certificates of completion, provides students with a comprehensive education in teamwork and leadership, networking and security, and information systems management. This curriculum includes hands-on experience in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios in installation, administration, and management of computer and network systems. This pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications geared towards preparing students for a successful career in IT roles that are vital for building, protecting, and maintaining information and technology assets.
Cybersecurity Talent
The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity follows the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework with the common goal of developing critical knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform cybersecurity tasks. The curriculum
includes hand-on experience in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios in the domains of security provisions, operations and maintenance, governance, protection and defense, analysis, collection, and investigation. This pathway includes preparation for industry-recognized certifications geared towards preparing students for a successful career in cybersecurity workforce roles that have an impact on an organization’s ability to protect its data, systems, and operations.
San Diego College of Continuing Education
San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). As the largest provider of noncredit education in California, SDCCE’s mission is to provide accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and career training to adult students. SDCCE has offered free career training and classes continuously for more than 100 years.
Cybersecurity Talent
The College of Continuing Education, Information Technology department offers short, focused programs that result in certificates. Employers designated the Desktop Technician Certificate as preferred for training entry-level IT talent, and the Security Essentials Certificate as preferred for training entry-level Cybersecurity talent. Each certificate takes about 240 hours to complete.
Contact San Diego College of Continuing Education - Cybersecurity Talent
San Diego Mesa College
Part of the San Diego community college district, San Diego Mesa College serves nearly 25,000 students in central San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, San Diego Mesa College is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of software, engineering, business, and healthcare talent.
Software Talent
Mesa College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Software talent at the partial level for providing quality training for software internships. Upon completion of this program, students are prepared to apply computer technology to diverse business and professional environments or transfer to a four-year institution.
Engineering Talent
San Diego Mesa College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Engineering talent at the partial level for providing quality training for engineering internships. The engineering program at Mesa allows student to fulfill the lower division engineering requirements for transfer programs to four-year institutions as well as acquire the necessary skills for entry-level employment in engineering.
Business Talent
San Diego Mesa College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Business talent in the operations and engagement specializations for providing quality training for business internships. The Business Department at San Diego Mesa College offers a variety of business courses leading to degrees in Business Administration, Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, and Business Management. These programs are intended for students who wish to plan a program in preparation for a business occupational area of their choice.
Healthcare Talent
San Diego Mesa College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent in the medical assistant specialization for providing quality training for healthcare internships. The Medical Assisting Program provides specialized training for employment in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other organizations requiring a background in medical office procedures.
San Diego State University
San Diego State is San Diego’s oldest university and serves 33,870 students in central San Diego. A designated Hispanic Service Institution, SDSU is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of business and life sciences talent.
Business Talent
San Diego State is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent at the general level, in addition to the operations and engagement specializations for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. The following programs were designated:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, General Business (BSBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing (BSBA)
Life Sciences Talent
San Diego State University’s Biotechnology Certificate offers a rich variety of coursework in cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolution, and related fields. In a typical semester, undergraduates have access to over 50 courses. Nearly all of these have class sizes less than 30 or have associated laboratory sections with less than 25 students. We have a large number of laboratory and field-based courses compared with Biology departments at other institutions. Because of our emphasis on laboratory courses, hands-on activities, and research opportunities, our graduates are uniquely prepared for a career in biology.
Southwestern Community College
Southwestern Community College District, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, provides services to a diverse community of students by providing a wide range of dynamic and high quality academic programs and comprehensive student services, including those offered through distance education. Nation is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent.
Healthcare Talent
Southwestern Community College is recognized as a Preferred Provider of Healthcare talent for providing quality training for medical assistant jobs. The Medical Assisting Program prepares students for careers through three certificates in specific areas of medical assisting, focused on administrative, clinical, and insurance training.
The League of Amazing Programmers
The League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing after-school Java programming instruction for 5th through 12th grade students at sites across San Diego County and online. They aim to enable youth to learn and succeed—both as professional programmers and technologically literate problem solvers.
Software Talent
The League of Amazing Programmers is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the partial level for providing quality training for software internships. As a high-level STEM organization with a rigorous, mastery-based, computer science curriculum, student from The League will be prepared for the Oracle Certified Associate and Java SE 8 Programmers (OCAJP) examination, which are the foundation for a career in programming.
UC San Diego
UC San Diego is a globally recognized research university which serves nearly 40,000 students on the central coast of San Diego county. UC San Diego is recognized by employers as both a Preferred Provider of software and engineering talent.
Engineering Talent
UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering is recognized as a Preferred Provider of engineering talent at the full level for providing quality training for entry-level engineering jobs. UC San Diego is a premier research school that integrates technical fundamentals with real-world applications, and collaborations across disciplines and industry to solve the toughest problems facing society. The Jacobs School of Engineering is a top-9 engineering school in the nation, and all individual engineering departments rank in the top 20 of their field.
Software Talent
UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the full level for providing quality training for entry-level software jobs. UC San Diego is a premier research school that integrates technical fundamentals with real-world applications, and collaborations across disciplines and industry to solve the toughest problems facing society. The Computer Science & Computer Engineering degrees are regularly ranked in the top-10 globally.
UC San Diego Extended Studies
UC San Diego Extended Studies, the continuing education arm of UC San Diego, offers more than 4,700 courses and a wide range of certificates. UCSD Extended Studies is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of software, engineering, and business talent.
Engineering Talent
UC San Diego Extended Studies, the continuing education arm of UC San Diego, is recognized as a Preferred Provider of engineering talent at the partial level for providing quality training for engineering internships. Extended Studies’ students are typically adult learners seeking upgraded skills in their current field, first-time job seekers looking for a targeted skillset, or individuals seeking a career change. Extended Studies’ engineering department offers a variety of relevant certificate programs, and has been designated as a Preferred Provider for their systems engineering and embedded engineering certificates in particular.
Software Talent
UC San Diego Extension, the continuing education arm of UC San Diego, is recognized as a Preferred Provider of software talent at the partial level for providing quality training for software internships. Extension’s students are typically adult learners seeking upgraded skills in their current field, first-time job seekers looking for a targeted skillset, or individuals seeking a career change. Extension offers a variety of relevant certificate programs including C#, C/C++, database management, front-end development, Java, Machine Learning, Python, and more.
Business Talent
UC San Diego Extension, the continuing education arm of UC San Diego, is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent at the general level, in addition to the operations and engagement specializations for providing quality training for entry level business jobs and internships. The following certificate programs were designated:
- Professional Certificate in Project Management
- Specialized Certificate in Supply Management
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program
- Professional Certificate in Marketing
- Professional Certificate in Business Management
University of San Diego
University of San Diego is a private, catholic university serving 9,100 students through its central San Diego campus. USD is recognized by employers as a Preferred Provider of engineering, business, and life sciences talent.
Engineering Talent
University of San Diego is recognized as a Preferred Provider of engineering talent at the full level for providing quality training for entry-level engineering jobs. The electrical engineering program is a combined BS/BA degree that includes core engineering courses, eight lab classes, and two-semester capstone experiences in addition to a liberal arts core curriculum which emphasizes oral communication, was well as diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
Business Talent
University of San Diego is recognized as a Preferred Provider of business talent at the general level, in addition to the operations specialization for providing quality training for entry-level business jobs and internships. USD’s School of Business’ General Business program is a 124-unit, undergraduate program leading to a BBA, BA or BACC degree and includes job searching techniques, resume building, interviewing skills and other career opportunities. The supply chain management program provides students with an in-depth understanding of sustainable, socially-responsible management of global supply chains as well as how to develop and maintain healthy supplier relationships both domestically and globally.
Life Sciences Talent
University of San Diego’s Biochemistry B.A. offers comprehensive approaches to the disciplines and immersion in the process of inquiry. Critical research opportunities and well-equipped labs with the latest instrumentation, such as a confocal microscope, NMR, well-equipped instrument labs, and facilities for organismal experiments prepare students for graduate and professional schools, the biotechnology industry, and teaching in STEM. Small class sizes, numerous required laboratory courses, and a capstone research project mean students are exposed to the authentic process of conducting scientific research. Biology and Biochemistry at USD engage students in real-world ethical, social and environmental issues that impact the life sciences
Workshops for Warriors
Workshops for Warriors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit school that provides veterans and transitioning service members with industry-leading advanced manufacturing education and job placement assistance.
Manufacturing Talent
Workshops for Warriors is recognized as a Preferred Provider of manufacturing talent for providing quality training for entry level machinist jobs. The CNC Machinist Program is designed to prepare veterans, transitioning service members, and other students to become well-rounded entry level CNC machinists with upward mobility potential. The curriculum is a combination of machining theory and extensive hands-on training. College credit is not awarded for this program, rather it is designed as an accelerated program of study culminating in industry recognized advanced manufacturing credentials which test the retention and application of the skills needed for a career in machining.
Contact
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Taylor Dunne
Sr. Manager, Talent Initiatives