Adult education opportunities help residents bridge skills gaps and reach career goals.
In San Joaquin County, adult education is a cornerstone of the region’s workforce development strategy – promoting social mobility, enabling individuals to pursue higher-paying opportunities and contributing to closing skills gaps in high-demand fields. This commitment ensures a more competitive local labor force while transforming lives. The San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium (SJAEC), in partnership with educational institutions such as San Joaquin Delta College and Adult Schools, equips individuals with the skills and knowledge essential to success in the job market.
Training to Thrive: Aligning Education with Industry Needs
San Joaquin County’s diverse economy depends on industries such as health care, logistics, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and education.
The consortium aligns adult education and training with these in-demand sectors by working closely with employers, workforce boards and San Joaquin Delta College, says Heather Maloy, dean of adult education at San Joaquin Delta College and co-director of San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium.
“This ensures that learners not only gain essential skills but also enter fields where career opportunities are abundant,” she says. “By strengthening the local talent pipeline, the consortium helps address employer shortages while improving economic opportunity for residents.”
SJAEC offers a wide range of programs designed to meet adult learners where they are, including GED/HiSET preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and citizenship preparation, career and technical education (CTE) training, and transition services, such as college and career counseling, application assistance and financial aid guidance…