To better understand San Diego’s talent demand in priority industries, EDC’s Advancing San Diego program partnered with BW Research to conduct a comprehensive talent demand survey focused on business, computing, engineering, and life sciences occupations. A region-wide survey of 355 businesses in San Diego County was fielded in March 2026, prioritizing larger firms to develop a more comprehensive profile of each of the listed occupations across a wide range of industries.
Talent Demand Report 2026 updates
This data-driven effort serves to inform Advancing San Diego’s Verified Program process, providing a real-time look at the workforce needs of local employers. Results show that while businesses are ready to grow, many face ongoing challenges in finding both entry-level and non-entry-level candidates with the skills, certifications, and experience needed to fill roles.
Key findings
- The largest share of employers considered bookkeeping, accounting, and auditor roles as the most important out of all business, computing, and engineering positions.
- San Diego employers anticipate increased hiring across highly technical and skilled roles.
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- Employers project the largest increase in positions for software developers, assemblers, and information security analysts over the next 12 months.
- Certifications are especially important in IT and cybersecurity roles.
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- Certifications such as Network+ and Security+ are often mandated for entry-level IT roles with others like CCNA and CEH often preferred.
- Hiring challenges are driven primarily by a lack of relevant training and education among applicants.
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- For entry-level roles, 56.2% of employers report that candidates lack the necessary qualifications. For non-entry-level roles, 34.7% of employers say applicants lack adequate training and 27.1% report a lack of experience.
- Lab tech hiring remains steady, with 83% of organizations planning to maintain or grow their workforce in the coming year.
Importance of work-based learning
One key survey finding was the importance of work-based learning. As employers continue to identify gaps in training and work experience in prospective hires, paid internships help bridge the gap between education and employment by giving students opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, build professional networks, and gain the experience employers seek. Work-based learning also provides value to employers: a 2025 report by Junior Achievement of San Diego County and EDC found that 92% of participating employers viewed internships as a way to expand or diversify their recruitment pipeline, highlighting how internships help develop the skilled local talent needed to support San Diego’s growing economy.
What’s next?
Advancing San Diego verifies educational programs that meet or exceed industry expectations for priority occupations across the region’s high-growth, innovation sectors. Programs that earn this designation gain public recognition and student-connection to regional employers.
The 2026 application is now open for business, computing, and engineering programs. Programs that are already verified do not need to reapply; see current roster here.
2026 timeline
- April 21: Verified Program application opens
- September 27: Application deadline. EDC notifies programs that passed part one of the application process
- November: Verified Program Designation Day
- Programs pitch to industry to share diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at in-person event. Industry participants fill out rubrics based on program pitches as part two of the application
- Early December: EDC announces a new slate of Verified Programs!
Check out Talent Demand Reports across other priority sectors to stay up to date on workforce trends in San Diego.
To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact talent@sandiegobusiness.org
Emily Chowaniec
Coordinator, Talent Initiatives