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OCTOBER 2024
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San Bernardino County is witnessing a surge in aviation career opportunities, with 20,000 job openings expected during the current decade. These jobs offer competitive wages, providing stable employment for families and contributing to the county’s economic growth.
The county is home to two major airports helping to drive this expansion: Ontario International Airport and San Bernardino International Airport. Ontario International is one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S. as well as the 10th largest cargo airport in North America. This growth is fueling demand for a wide range of roles, from pilots and air traffic controllers to technicians, logistics specialists and airport operations staff. San Bernardino International, another major cargo hub, also has expanded to offer passenger service, further boosting job prospects.
As the aviation industry continues to grow, it brings broader economic value to the region, fostering business expansion and creating secondary jobs in sectors like hospitality, retail and transportation. Ontario International alone supports nearly 28,000 jobs across the region, according to Oxford Economics.
See the “Impact Story” below to learn more about how the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is supporting employment growth in the aviation industry. For more on the programs and services WDB provides job seekers and businesses in all sectors, please visit our website.
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We asked Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer for the Ontario International Airport Authority, what he looks for when hiring staff. Here’s what he said:
Understand and embrace the mission and vision of the organization you would like to work for. At ONT, our employees know the essential role we play in connecting our region to the world.
Know the skillset required of the job and receive the necessary training. Not all aviation jobs require a college degree, but many require vocational training, experience and/or certification.
Be great at customer service. Whether we’re working with business partners, community stakeholders or travelers, courtesy, professionalism and follow-through are critical.
Value safety above all else. Travelers put their lives in our hands.
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How WDB is helping him receive Aircraft Mechanic certification ... and a degree
Struggling to find work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew Martinez heard about a Career Fair sponsored by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) at the High Desert America’s Job Center of California in Victorville. That eventually led to a training opportunity as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic and what Martinez now sees as the chance of a lifetime.
“I am so grateful for this program and the support I have received,” Martinez said during a recent presentation to the Workforce Board. The two-year A&P program is teaching Martinez “basically everything about aviation, from the engine to the tail to the toe of the upper aircraft.”
Throughout his training, Martinez has received professional and financial support through WDB. He recently earned his first certification and has already received job offers. By the time the program finishes, he will have not only the necessary certifications to pursue a high-demand career in aviation mechanics, but enough credits to earn an Associate Degree.
BELOW: WDB Chair William Sterling (left) and Director Bradley Gates (right) congratulate Andrew Martinez on his success in pursing Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certification.
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Message from the Chair
Need to fill a job? We are here to help
William Sterling
WDB Chair
During the current decade, employers in the Inland Empire are expected to post more than 2.3 million job openings, according to projections from the state. That includes both newly created positions and the churn that comes with retirements, workers leaving one job for another and other turnover factors over a 10-year span. But think about it: 2.3 million openings. That's a lot of jobs. A lot of job interviews. A lot of competition to land just the right person.
At the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, we embrace this challenge and encourage employers to take advantage of the services and resources we offer to meet the employment needs of one of the most dynamic economic and population centers in the United States. These services range from career training and placement to counseling and strategic support for employers to labor market information on workforce trends, in-demand occupations and high growth industries.
For more on what we’re doing, please visit our website.
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Monthly Labor Market Update
 The unemployment rate in San Bernardino County held steady in August as employment levels rose by 3,600 jobs. The county is still outperforming the state, and continues to see year-over-year growth in several key industries, most notably healthcare and government. Across the Inland Empire, healthcare added 18,300 jobs over the past year, while the government sector added 11,700.
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 My first job was cleaning out units at a local storage facility. Like most kids my age and in my neighborhood, we did not have much money, and I was determined to work to change that. Although I was only 11 years old, turning 12, and knew in my heart that they would not hire me, I thought I would go in and ask anyway. The lady sitting behind the desk said she was the manager. “Ma’am, I am looking for a job.” “That is great,” she replied. “How old are you?” Everything in me wanted to lie and say that I was 15. I was desperate to find a job. But I played it straight and told her the truth. “Well, I am sorry, I cannot hire you,” she replied. “I can get into trouble because you’re not old enough to work.” I put my head down and walked out.
I spent the next couple of days thinking about that interaction. She seemed pretty excited when I told her I was looking for a job and maybe I could change her mind. So I went into the office again. “How are you doing today, ma’am? I was wondering if there was any work you need done that I can help with?” She said she didn’t, but as I was on my way out, she stopped me and said, “Why don’t you check in next week?” So the following week, I showed up after school and asked her again if there was anything she needed done. Finally, she told me, “Show up Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m.” I think she thought that I wouldn’t show up. Sure enough, I rode my bike and was there at 5:30 a.m. I did some general cleanup and sweeping for a few hours and put some money in my pocket.
I worked there several Saturday mornings throughout the summer. It felt good to have money in my pocket, but more importantly, I learned persistence. If you want to succeed you have to hustle and persevere when the odds are against you. You never know what opportunities will open if you just keep moving forward.
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Stat of the Month
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Connecting Employers and Job Seekers
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board hosts hiring events at the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and other venues throughout the year. Coming up:
Thursday, October 17: Career Fair, West Valley AJCC, 9650 9th St., Suite B., Rancho Cucamonga. 9 a.m.-Noon.
Thursday, October 24: Career Fair, Cora Harper Community Center, 841 Barstow Road, Barstow. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, November 7: Veterans’ Hiring Event, Landecena Community Building, 1325 San Bernardino Road, Upland. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Coming Up
WDB hosts free virtual seminars throughout the week to help job seekers on topics such as interviewing skills, resume building and navigating the employment resources that are available. If you know of anyone who could use this valuable assistance, a calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
In the meantime, here are some upcoming events and release dates:
Friday, October 18: California Employment Development Department releases its September jobs report.
Friday, November 1: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its October jobs report.
Wednesday, November 13: WDB General Board Meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., 290 North D Street, Suite 600, San Bernardino.
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 On any given day, San Bernardino County’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) have access to 100 or more job seekers ready and able to fill your positions. To find that perfect employee for your business, please contact your local AJCC:
East Valley: 500 Inland Center Drive, Space 508, San Bernardino (909) 382-0440
West Valley: 9650 9th St., Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga (909) 941-6500
High Desert: 17310 Bear Valley Road, Suite 109, Victorville (760) 552-6550
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Stay up to date
Click here to catch up on past editions of Workforce Update, WDB’s monthly e-newsletter and labor market intelligence report.
If you know others who would like to receive this timely and important information, please invite them to join our mailing list at info.workforce@wdd.sbcounty.gov.
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- WIOA Title I-financially assisted programs or activities are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For federal funding disclosure information, visit: workforce.sbcounty.gov/about/ffd/
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