San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium Partnership with CTE Workforce Development Program

The Program of Practice

Despite existing pathways between adult schools and Delta College, adult learners—particularly those in CTE programs and DARTE dual enrollment—face challenges in successfully transitioning from adult education to postsecondary training and employment. Key barriers include:

Fragmented Transition and Referral Processes:
There is no consistent, structured referral system linking adult schools to Delta College’s CTE and workforce programs, leading to gaps in student support and lost opportunities for enrollment.
Limited Awareness and Access to Workforce Training and Employment Services:
Many adult learners are unaware of available job training, internships, and apprenticeship opportunities coordinated through the Workforce Specialist, Internship Coordinator, and Apprenticeship Coordinator.
There is a lack of early career guidance and structured workforce integration, causing delays in employment readiness.
Misalignment Between Adult Education and Delta College CTE Programs:
Adult school coursework does not always articulate into Delta College programs, requiring students to repeat training or take unnecessary courses, increasing time and costs.
Workforce training programs at Delta College may not fully align with employer needs or industry-recognized credentials, reducing job placement effectiveness.
Inconsistent Employer and Workforce Partner Engagement:
Limited coordination between Delta College, WorkNet, employers, and regional workforce boards creates disconnects in job placement, internships, and apprenticeships.
There is a need for stronger employer partnerships to ensure that training programs align with high-wage, high-demand jobs.
Lack of a Data-Driven Approach to Track Student Success:
There is no unified system to track student progress from adult school to Delta College to employment.
Without clear data on student retention, completion, and workforce outcomes, program improvements are difficult to implement.

The Response

The CTE Workforce Development Center at Delta College, in collaboration with the San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium, is implementing a comprehensive, student-centered approach to address the challenges adult learners face when transitioning from adult schools to college and employment. By leveraging structured pathways, workforce integration, and targeted support services, the center ensures that adult learners have a clear, seamless, and efficient route to career success.

1. Standardized Transition and Referral Process
Solution: The Workforce Development Center is establishing a consistent, structured transition process that ensures adult learners receive seamless support from adult school to Delta College CTE programs.

Dedicated Workforce Specialist: Acts as a primary point of contact for adult learners, providing personalized career navigation and transition assistance.
Formal Referral System: Adult schools now have direct referral pathways to Delta College’s workforce services, ensuring that students are guided through enrollment, financial aid, and academic planning without delays.
Streamlined Dual Enrollment for DARTE Students: The DARTE dual-enrollment model is enhanced with structured academic advising and workforce integration to help students advance toward degree and certificate attainment.
2. Increased Access to Workforce Training, Internships, and Apprenticeships
Solution: The Workforce Development Center connects adult learners to targeted job training and work-based learning opportunities through key personnel:

Workforce Specialist: Helps students access short-term training, certificate programs, and direct job placement services through regional employers.
Internship Coordinator: Develops internship pipelines in partnership with industry employers to provide real-world experience in high-demand fields.
Apprenticeship Coordinator: Expands access to registered apprenticeship programs, allowing students to earn wages while receiving hands-on training in skilled trades and technical careers.
Collaboration with WorkNet and Employment Agencies: Ensures students have direct access to job placement services, resume assistance, and career coaching.
3. Improved Curriculum and Credit Alignment Between Adult Education and Delta College CTE Programs
Solution: The Workforce Development Center is working with Delta College faculty and adult education providers to align curriculum and reduce barriers to degree and certificate completion.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) & Articulated Courses: Students can apply adult school coursework toward Delta College programs, reducing the need for redundant coursework.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum Development: Ensures that training programs meet employer expectations and lead to industry-recognized certifications.
Stackable Credentials: Allows students to earn certificates and degrees in stages, increasing their employability at each step.
4. Strengthened Employer and Workforce Partner Engagement
Solution: The Workforce Development Center has enhanced its employer outreach strategy to ensure adult learners are connected to high-quality jobs with strong career growth potential.

Employer Advisory Boards: Engage industry leaders in shaping curriculum and job training programs to align with workforce needs.
Hiring Events and Job Placement Services: Organizes on-campus hiring fairs and direct employer connections for job seekers.
High-Road Employer Partnerships: Prioritizes employers that offer living wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities, ensuring sustainable employment for students.
5. Data-Driven Student Success Tracking
Solution: The Workforce Development Center is implementing a data-sharing system to track student transitions, retention, and employment outcomes.

Shared Student Tracking System: Allows adult schools and Delta College to monitor student progress from enrollment to completion.
Workforce Outcomes Dashboard: Measures job placement rates, wage growth, and long-term career success of program graduates.
Continuous Improvement Strategies: Uses data to refine services, address gaps, and improve student outcomes over time.
Conclusion: A Scalable Model for California Adult Education
Through these strategies, the CTE Workforce Development Center at Delta College is not only resolving the problem of practice but also serving as a statewide model for seamless transitions from adult education to community college and career success. This innovative, employer-driven approach ensures that adult learners receive the education, training, and workforce support needed to thrive in high-demand industries.

The Unique Features of the Program

The uniqueness of the CTE Workforce Development Program at San Joaquin Delta College lies in its comprehensive, industry-aligned approach to career education, job placement, and skill development. Here are some standout features:

Industry-Driven Training – Programs are designed in partnership with local employers to ensure students gain relevant skills that align with current job market demands.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities – The program offers internships, apprenticeships, and work experience placements to help students gain real-world experience while earning wages.
Dedicated Workforce Specialists – Staff like Workforce Specialists and Career Services professionals provide individualized support, from resume building to job placement assistance and employer networking.
Pathways from Adult Education to College & Careers – Integrated transition support for ESL and returning adult learners through programs like DARTE and LIMM ensure accessibility to career training.
Apprenticeships with Industry Leaders – The college partners with major employers such as Tesla, Holt of California-Caterpillar, and the California Department of Water Resources to offer registered apprenticeships.
Short-Term Workforce Training & Certifications – Offers industry-recognized credentials and short-term training programs to quickly upskill students for high-demand fields.
Community & Employer Partnerships – Strong collaboration with workforce agencies, unions, and businesses to expand employment and training opportunities.
Targeted Career Support for Diverse Learners – The program supports returning adult learners, ESL students, and underemployed community members with structured pathways.

The Outcome

San Joaquin Delta College's Career Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Development Center offers programs designed to assist adult learners in acquiring skills for successful transitions into the workforce. The San Joaquin Adult Education Consortium collaborates with local adult schools to provide classes and programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL), career pathways, basic skills, and high school diploma/equivalency courses. (deltacollege.edu)

One notable initiative is the DARTE Learning Community, which allows students to complete transfer-level English and math courses while working toward their high school diplomas. This program has been instrumental in helping students like Janet Cuevas Del Rio, who credited DARTE with providing essential support, including access to technology and employment opportunities. (adultschoolstories.com)

To provide detailed insights into various aspects of CTE programs, San Joaquin Delta College offers interactive dashboards that cover enrollment trends, student demographics, academic performance, and labor market information. These tools enable data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement of the programs. (deltacollege.edu)

Furthermore, the college recognizes the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry needs. For instance, Michelle Castanon, the CTE Program Manager, highlighted efforts to address workforce gaps in logistics, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing sectors. (adultschoolstories.com)

These initiatives collectively demonstrate San Joaquin Delta College's commitment to supporting adult learners in their educational and career pursuits, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving workforce.