UPSKILLING

The Upskilling Initiative is a collaborative workforce model designed to connect people, purpose, and opportunity across California’s Central Valley. By combining skills training, paid work experience, and wraparound support, Upskilling equips individuals—especially those facing barriers to employment—with the tools they need to succeed. At the same time, it strengthens local businesses by creating a reliable pipeline of motivated, job-ready talent. Led by Career Nexus and Heartland Compass, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to building both economic mobility for residents and long-term prosperity for the region.
 
Career Nexus
Career Nexus is a workforce engine designed to elevate business and industry in California’s Central Valley by preparing the next generation of talent. Through an ecosystem of aligned employers, educators, training organizations, essential support services, and job seekers, Career Nexus advances shared community values while building a stronger workforce.

The Career Nexus model blends foundational soft-skill training with hands-on work experience, ensuring participants gain both knowledge and practical exposure. Central to this model is a paid internship program:

• Preparation: Participants complete training in communication, teamwork, and professionalism.

• Experience: They are placed in paid internships with local businesses.

• Transition: Interns are supported in moving into full-time, long-term employment with their host companies.

 

Employers co-design training to align with real workforce needs and play a critical role by hosting interns. This collaboration creates a win-win: businesses access motivated, job-ready workers while participants gain meaningful opportunities that lead to lasting careers.

Heartland Compass

Heartland Compass is an employer-led workforce initiative in California’s Central Valley that helps companies strengthen retention, reduce turnover, and build a more resilient workforce. By partnering directly with employers, the organization provides employees with confidential access to Resource Navigators who help remove barriers such as housing insecurity, childcare, transportation, or financial strain.

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Through this approach, Heartland Compass ensures that employees can stay focused and engaged at work, while also advancing their personal and professional growth. The result is a stronger, more stable workforce that contributes to the long-term health of the San Joaquin Valley economy.