workforce development
STUDENTS SEE THEMSELVES IN LOCAL JOBS THROUGH SOCAL PROJECT The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce recently spent the day with several professionals from the city’s Water Utilities department interviewing them on camera about their careers for the SOCAL (Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning) project. The shoot was coordinated by Michael Newton, a Navy veteran and Management Analyst for the City of Oceanside. At the San Luis Rey Wastewater Treatment Plant, the team, filmed by chamber member Chris Ryan, featured Carlos Raymundo, Instrumentation Technician II; Mario Lopez, Water Utilities Plant Electrician I; Ryan Williams, Plant Maintenance Supervisor; and Daniel Parker, Wastewater Plant Operator III. At the City Operations Center, Utility Worker II Jonathan Monterroza, was interviewed. The day-long video shoot concluded with an interview with Annika Andersen, Environmental Specialist II. “I never have the same day twice,” Williams says. Raymundo agreed. He explained that he got his career start in classes in his Regional Occupational Program in high school. Businesses looking to partner with the Oceanside Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education program may be pleased to know there are pathways to careers not only at the water department, but in several other professions. Contact Coordinator Teresa Collis at https://www.oside.us/pathways. The SOCAL project is a collaborative program between education and industry created by TriCity Medical Center, the San Diego North Economic Development Council and the Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista Chambers of Commerce. The vision is to give middle school, high school, post-secondary 22 | Best of Oceanside Magazine
students and transitioning adults an opportunity to gain insights into career pathways, while allowing businesses and local organizations to participate in these students’ career exploration. We have recently featured the stories of Chamber members Olli Salumeria, Hydranautics, and Genentech at https:// socalworkforce.org/all-interviews/. We are pleased to offer a variety of packages to assist your business in both short-term and long-term workforce pipeline development. If you are interested in participating, contact victoria@oceansidechamber.com.
CHAMBER’S INCUBATOR PROGRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT TO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS Women, especially military spouses and female veterans, were disproportionately impacted by the Pandemic, with many forced out of the workplace. Many women desire to make a career pivot. The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Mentors, and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce have responded to this call to action by hosting a free business incubator program. The Women Entrepreneur Incubator program, which launched last fall via Zoom, is helping to train entrepreneurs to develop their part-time or full-time businesses in one of three tracks: Social Media Management Company, Virtual Assistant Company, and Business/Personal Coaching. The three organizations are providing training, technical assistance, mentorship, peer-to-peer support, and financial information. Spring 2022 | www.oceansidechamber.com
