The South County EDC Presents:
"Discover how education, technology, and talent development are driving the new economy at the Workforce & Education Forum — building pathways for a stronger, future-ready workforce."
Date: November 21st, 2025.
Location: South County Lighthouse.
Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
Address: 2400 Euclid Ave, National City, CA 91950
South County EDC members receive a special registration rate of $50,
while non-members pay $75. Your participation helps support South
County EDC’s ongoing efforts to connect education, workforce development,
and industry leaders who are shaping the future
of our
regional economy.
A discussion on how education and training programs can adapt to meet the changing demands of South County’s key industries.
• A conversation on how education and training programs can adapt to meet the changing demands of today’s workforce.
• Featuring insights on CTE, alternative career paths, upskilling, and preparing for emerging industries.
• Exploring how schools, colleges, and civic partners are aligning education with the needs of the new economy.
Southwestern College
San Diego State University
Talent Connect
Tina Ngo Bartel brings deep insight into how education, workforce trends, and community needs intersect.
She will connect the dots between program offerings, student demographics, and job placement trends across our region—revealing where alignment is strong and where opportunity lies. Join us for a powerful look at how data and collaboration can shape a stronger, more equitable workforce for the future.
Join Toni Giffin, CEO of Goodwill San Diego, and Jorge Marquez, Chief
Impact Officer of Goodwill Southern California, for an inspiring
conversation about the transformative work being done to prepare
California’s workforce for the future.
Jorge Marquez brings deep expertise from his leadership in advancing
statewide apprenticeship programs, guiding labor and equity initiatives,
and creating pathways for underrepresented communities.
Explore how our region is working together to retain and grow homegrown
talent through education, connection, and opportunity.
• Creating clear educational and career pipelines that help students
engage early and build lasting local careers.
• Investing in talent development and partnerships between
educators, businesses, and communities.
• Highlighting the value of our local workforce and the opportunities
available right here in South County.
California State University
San Marcos
MAAC
High Tech High Chula Vista
Lolitas Mexican Restaurant
About the Forum
The South County Economic Development Council Workforce & Education Forum will spotlight the critical intersection of workforce development and education—exploring how South County can continue to align talent with opportunity, strengthen employer pipelines, and prepare residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Purpose
The forum will serve as a regional platform to:
• Identify workforce needs of key industries in South County.
• Hear directly from employees about their experiences, needs, and challenges.
• Showcase educational pathways and continued training opportunities.
• Foster dialogue between employers, educators, employees, and government.
• Highlight opportunities for innovation, equity, and talent development.
Highlights of the Forum
Keynote Conversations with workforce and education leaders. Panel Discussions featuring employers, employees, educators, and policymakers on:
• Industry Workforce Demands.
• Education and Continued Training Pathways.
• Employee Perspectives: Barriers, Needs, and Opportunities.
• Government Policy & Employer Support.
• Affordability, Equity, and Quality of Life for South County’s Workforce.
Future Skills & Emerging Sectors
Spotlight Sessions highlighting successful workforce-education collaborations in South County. Networking Opportunities to connect businesses with training providers, educators, employees, and community partners.
Why It Matters
The Workforce & Education Forum is more than just a gathering—it’s a conversation that shapes the future of South County. By elevating voices from every part of the workforce system—employers, educators, policymakers, and employees themselves—this event creates a collaborative space to address real challenges, from training and career growth to affordability and equity in quality of life.
The discussions will drive solutions that ensure South County’s workforce is not only skilled and competitive but also supported in building sustainable, thriving lives.
"The Workforce & Education Forum unites civic, business, and
community leaders to tackle workforce training and career development
challenges, fostering collaboration and partnerships for meaningful
community impact."
* Recognition as sponsor
* Inclusion in pre/post event eblast
* Full Page Ad in digital program
* Logo placement on slide with other sponsors during forum
* Social media post about the event with company Logo
* Opportunity to introduce one of two Sessions.
*
8 forum passes
* Recognition as sponsor
* Inclusion in pre/post event eblast
* Full Page Ad in digital program
* Logo placement on slide with other sponsors during forum
* Social media post about the event with company Logo
*
8 forum passes
* Full Page Ad in digital program
* Logo placement on slide with other sponsors during forum
* Social media post about event with company logo
*
8 forum passes
* Recognition as a “Table Sponsor.”
*
8 forum passes
* Ad in Program
* 10- Second spot during Forum
* Small ad in digital program
* Logo placement on slide with other sponsors during forum
Please fill out the form to be notified by email when tickets go on sale! Thank you!
710 E 16th Street,
#472 National City
CA 91951
P: (619) 424-5143
