San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced on Tuesday the launch of a new Workforce Development Partnership for young adults ages 16-24.
The $1 million program, funded by the City of San Diego, will train young San Diegans with education, training and job opportunities.
“For everyone that is claiming that there are not enough workers out there, we know that there is an untapped resource here in our young people,” Gloria said.
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With unemployment rates remaining high among young adults Gloria said a program like this is needed to help young San Diegans build a future.
“I began and completed an internship through their help and I am now a sales associate at my local old Navy," Andrea Salazar said, a program participant.
With a little bit of training and mentorship Salazar was able to turn her internship into a paid job.
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It’s a success story the mayor is hoping to make possible for thousands across the county.
The San Diego Zoo is one of the partners in the workforce program and has been instrumental in employing thousands of young people.
Zoo Chief Human Resources Officer Aida Rosa said they have many entry-level opportunities available right now.
“We have retail with merchandise or food also buildings and grounds maintenance, guest ambassadors. There are many entry level positions we have,” Rosa said.
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She said the San Diego Zoo has seen many success stories.
“There are people in management positions now that got their first opportunity in the entry level positions,” she said.
