San Diego Workforce Partnership Opens New Career Center in Chula Vista

November 12, 2025

The San Diego Workforce Partnership has opened a new South Bay Career Center in Chula Vista to address the region's elevated unemployment rate of 8%, which is significantly higher than both the county's 5% rate and the national 4. 3% average. The center's relocation to 333 H Street provides more centralized access to public transit and brings free career services—including job placement, training, and education resources—closer to South County's nearly 600,000 residents who have historically been underserved by workforce development programs.

Who is affected

South County/South Bay residents (nearly 600,000 people)
Unemployed and underemployed individuals in the South Bay area (where unemployment is at 8%)
San Diego County residents age 16 and older (more than 70,000 served by the career center network)
Veterans and young adults receiving priority support
The 25% of San Diego County families living in areas of deprivation
Three in ten San Diegans considered "economically vulnerable"
Workers in South Bay's 11,000+ local businesses employing over 103,000 people
Long-term unemployed workers (one in four unemployed for 27+ weeks)

What action is being taken

The San Diego Workforce Partnership is operating the newly opened South Bay Career Center at 333 H Street in Chula Vista
The center is providing no-cost services including job placement assistance, training programs, and educational opportunities
SDWP is offering priority support specifically for unemployed and underemployed individuals, veterans, and young adults
The organization is using the Workforce Needs & Assets Map (launched in October) to visualize opportunity gaps and resources

Why it matters

The new center addresses critical economic disparities in a region where unemployment is double the county average and residents have historically lacked access to workforce development resources. With South County described as a "college desert" and many residents facing long commutes that rank among their top complaints, bringing career services closer to where people live can help prevent prolonged unemployment and provide pathways to economic mobility. The timing is particularly significant given rising long-term unemployment nationwide and San Diego County's unemployment rate reaching one of its highest levels in four years, making accessible career services essential for community economic stability and growth.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint