|
FEBRUARY 2025
|
|
From cybersecurity to network support to computer science instruction, demand is growing for highly-trained professionals |
|
San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire are experiencing a growing demand for professionals with specialized computer skills. While nearly every job today requires basic computer knowledge, the need for experts in fields such as cybersecurity, software and hardware engineering, and computer science education is rapidly increasing. These high-paying careers often offer salaries averaging $100,000 or more, making them an attractive option for job seekers across our rapidly growing region.
According to the California Employment Development Department, the Inland Empire is projected to have up to 20,000 computer-specific job openings this decade. This growth reflects the critical role technology plays in today’s economy and highlights the importance of advanced training to meet industry needs.
Local educational institutions are stepping up to prepare the workforce for these opportunities. California State University, San Bernardino, for example, boasts one of the world’s top-ranked cybersecurity programs, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in this high-demand field. Chaffey College, San Bernardino Valley College, Crafton Hills College and Victor Valley College all offer Associate's Degree programs in computer science and information systems.
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is committed to supporting this growth by connecting job seekers with training programs and resources while assisting businesses in finding skilled talent. For more information about the programs and services WDB offers job seekers and businesses in all sectors, please visit our website.
|
|
WDB helps justice-involved individuals rebuild their lives through employment |
|
|
“Sometimes,” Donna Brady said, “all someone needs is a second chance.”
The Workforce Development Specialist is in the business of second chances, working with local employers to help justice-involved individuals find meaningful work and begin to rebuild their lives.
Robert Coulson, a machine operator at ABLE Industrial Products in Ontario, is thankful for the opportunity.
|
ABOVE: Robert Coulson (center) is joined by Workforce Development Specialist Donna Brady, along with WDB Chair William Sterling (left) and Director Bradley Gates (right). |
|
|
“I had a felony DUI and was having a real hard time finding a job,” Coulson said during a recent presentation to the Workforce Development Board (WDB). “The Probation Department introduced me to sober living, and then to Donna. She helped me get a job at ABLE, where I'm working full time. It’s a really cool opportunity, and I feel very fortunate.”
WDB’s partnership with Probation is credited with reducing rates of recidivism while helping employers fill critical staffing needs.
“Justice-involved individuals tend to be harder to employ,” Brady said. “But with the support of our Second Chance employers, such as ABLE, we’re able to help them find a job and move in the right direction.”
|
|
Monthly Labor Market Update
 The job market in San Bernardino County ended 2024 on a high note, with both employment levels and the labor force showing strong growth. The unemployment rate fell for the second consecutive month, continuing to outperform the statewide average.
Across the Inland Empire, seasonal hiring in retail, combined with robust performance in logistics and manufacturing, contributed to month-over-month employment gains. On a year-over-year basis, the healthcare sector added an impressive 19,100 jobs across the two-county region.
Additionally, data from the California Employment Development Department highlights a nearly 13% increase in San Bernardino County’s average annual labor force over the past decade (see chart below). This growth underscores the county’s rise as one of California’s most dynamic employment and economic hubs.
|
|
As employers of choice, we can attract a stronger workforce across the county |
|
By William Sterling
WDB Chair
San Bernardino County is a great place to do business. Our vibrant economy, diverse industries, and talented workforce make it an ideal location for companies to thrive. To sustain this momentum, the Workforce Development Board is dedicated to helping businesses across the county become employers of choice – organizations that are widely recognized as highly desirable places to work.
Through the efforts of our Economic Development & Business Resource Committee, we are supporting businesses in creating positive work environments, offering competitive pay, fostering strong company cultures, and prioritizing employee growth and well-being. These qualities not only attract top talent but also drive business success and community vitality.
We are proud to offer resources and tools to help businesses achieve this goal, including a series of free virtual workshops designed to provide actionable strategies and insights. We encourage you to visit our online calendar for more details and to participate in these valuable sessions.
Together, we can build a stronger, more dynamic workforce that meets the needs of our growing economy while ensuring San Bernardino County remains a top destination for businesses and employees alike.
|
|
|
UPCOMING EMPLOYER OF CHOICE WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, February 19: 10-11 a.m. Register here.
Wednesday, March 5: Noon-1 p.m. Register here.
Wednesday, March 19: Noon-1 p.m. Register here.
|
|
 My first job was at McDonald’s when I was 16 years old. My parents told me I could use the family car if I paid for car insurance and gas, so I needed a job if I wanted to drive. On my first day, I was assigned to the machine that toasted the buns and added condiments. Someone else cooked the meat and placed it on the buns, and a third person wrapped the completed hamburgers.
I learned a lot that first day—and throughout the next two years I worked there: assign a new worker an easy task to build confidence, make that role part of a larger task requiring teamwork, and ensure the product is the result of an efficient operation.
That job gave me an appreciation for efficiency. Before long, I was cooking the hamburgers, while the newest team member took over buns and condiments. I found myself mentoring others in the fine art of applying ketchup and mustard. Without fanfare, and almost without realizing it, I had stepped into a small leadership role—an outcome subtly and expertly orchestrated by the management team, who knew how to guide teenagers.
The lessons I learned in that first job stay with me today: show up on time, work hard, help others, and stay loyal.
|
|
Stat of the Month
|
|
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, March 20: Career Fair, De Anza Community Center, 1405 S. Fern Ave, . 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, April 24: Career Fair, Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, Suite 735, Victorville. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
|
|
|
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, March 7: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its February jobs report.
Friday, March 14: California Employment Development Department releases its January jobs report and its revised industry employment and earnings data for 1990-2024.
Wednesday, March 19: WDB Budget Workshop, 290 North D Street, Suite 600, San Bernardino. 9-11 a.m.
Friday, March 28: California Employment Development Department releases its February jobs report.
|
|
 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
|
|
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.
|
|
- 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/
|
|
|
|
|
