About
Competitive Edge is a collaborative outreach initiative designed to empower local residents, strengthen community partnerships, and connect local talent with long-term careers in the utility sector. More than just job training, Competitive Edge is about bridging gaps—between business and community, opportunity and access, potential and success.
Our Mission
We open doors for individuals who have been overlooked due to race, class, background, or circumstance, and invite companies to invest in a stronger, more equitable future. Together with our partners, we’re tackling workforce inequities that too often go unaddressed, creating opportunities that lead to real change.
The Train-to-Hire Program
Our signature program is a 6-week, 224-hour pre-apprenticeship that prepares San Diego residents ages 18–30 for careers in the utility industry. Each cohort brings together 20 candidates committed to growth and success.
Participants receive:
A weeklong bootcamp and hands-on technical training
OSHA and First Aid/CPR certifications
Resume building and workplace communication workshops
Personal development and career readiness support
To ensure accessibility, we remove financial barriers by providing a weekly per-hour stipend, along with daily breakfast and lunch. Each participant is also paired with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance throughout the program.
Beyond Graduation
Completion isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Graduates enter the workforce with direct job opportunities and continue to receive mentorship, career guidance, and support from our committee and partners. This ongoing connection helps alumni advance and thrive long after their training ends.
Competitive Edge is where workforce development meets social responsibility, creating career pathways and building a stronger community—together.
