A collaborative outreach program promoting engagement and support, fostering partnerships between local organizations, and empowering the San Diego Community

San Diego’s Competitive Edge (SDCE) is a solution aimed to grow our business’s community engagement while simultaneously combating social inequities.

We provide a unique workforce opportunity that enriches opportunities for others. This initiative allows both our partnered companies and community to work side by
side to identify concerns that are sometimes overlooked in workforce development. SDCE’s mission is to implement a social responsibility to expand opportunities for those in our community that have faced cultural displacement.

About the program

Our train-to-hire program is a 6-week trade-skills pre-apprenticeship aimed to provide career opportunities in the utility sector for San Diego residents between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Each cohort identifies 20 candidates. Prior to each cohort we research our community’s current demographic and enlist our dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) council for candidate recruitment. Our DEI council ventures out to local faith-based organizations, community leaders and organizations, as well as peer-to-peer recruitment by way of our previous cohort graduates. The training curriculum includes a weeklong labor intensive bootcamp, OSHA certifications, resume writing, and interpersonal skills. Each candidate will receive weekly pay at a hourly rate of $22, prepared meals for breakfast and lunch, and mentorship throughout the cohort. Our DEI council will continue to provide mentorship as needed for steady career development following the completion of each cohort.

    • Age 18 - 30

    • Valid California Driver’s License

    • San Diego Resident

    • Must pass a Motor Vehicle Check

    • Must pass multiple 5 Panel Drug Tests

  • Daily Safety / Tailboard Messages

    • Introduction to the Utility Industry

    • Introduction to the Construction Industry

    • Introduction to the Trade Unions

    • California Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA 10)

    • OSHA 30

    • Week Long Trade Skills Bootcamp

    • Ethical Foundations: Mastering Integrity and Values

    • HR Insights and Best Practices

    • Financial Literacy ft. Financial Advisor

    • Foundations Of Effective Leadership

    • Time Management Essentials

    • CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

    • Mindfulness and Wellness For Success

    • Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles for Success

    • Responsible Social Media 

    • Safe Driving Course

    • Fundamentals of Automotive Mechanics

    • IT & Cybersecurity Essentials

    • Conflict Resolution Fundamentals

  • San Diego Competitive Edge is a collaborative mission to strengthen and enhance both the retiring workforce and our social responsibility to our community; a collaborative mission ignited after a successful first cohort led in June 2022 and the second one held in June 2023. We look forward to managing one pre-apprenticeship cohort per year with the option to expand to many more.

"Just know you have a guaranteed job, a guaranteed way to make money and a great career opportunity at the end."

Brian B.

" I would recommend this Program to all of my family and friends."

Jay D.

"I feel like everyone should have the opportunity because not too many people know about this industry very well, and you get paid very good."

Victor D.

“COMPETITIVE EDGE WORKS WITH MULTIPLE PARTNERS TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM FOR TRAINING, PLACING TALENT, AND SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM'S CORE FUNDAMENTALS OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DIVERSITY, EDUCATION, AND LEADING-INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES.”

Interested in participating in the San Diego Competitive Edge Program?