Like many cities around the world, Santa Cruz has seen significant job growth in tech over the past decade. In 2017, there were 4,525 tech jobs in Santa Cruz County. During that year, we saw 399 local tech jobs launched, an increase of nearly 50% since 2010 (Data: Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board). And the momentum continues to grow. At Santa Cruz Works Get Hired June 2019, over 300 jobs were offered. At Santa Cruz Works Get Biotech 2019, over 200 jobs were offered.

Hundred of jobs in Santa Cruz County continue to be offered throughout 2019 with these being the most in-demand:

LinkedIn recently released “2020 Emerging Jobs Reports”. The findings indicate that in 2020, AI Specialists will be the #1 in-demand job. #2 is Robots Engineer. #3 is Data Scientist. Fortunately we have Looker in Santa Cruz who is riding the wave of innovation for these types of jobs.

Yes, the old days of logging redwood trees, limestone quarries, and a one-horse sleepy summer vacation town are far behind us. But what are we doing to prepare the next generation for successful tech careers? And what are the pathways, the opportunities to get into tech?

There are several forward-thinking organizations building the regional roadmap for prosperity. Jason Borgen / CTO of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (“COE”) is seeking funds for the second consecutive year for the California Strong Workforce Plan (“SWP”). He is using the funds to create the necessary programs and classes for technical skills achievement in the K12 consortium schools. More importantly, he is ensuring these high school programs align with colleges so that credits are transferable for CS degrees.

“We have many students today interested in developing their computer science skills -- from programing to network architecture and system administration. These students need to be engaged in our K-12 institution first so they are prepared and are ready for work as college may or may not be in the cards for these students. We don’t want to wait for these students to stumble across jobs over the hill -- we want them to be aware of computer science jobs in county, whether they be for a startup, a well-developed ISP, or a growing software development company”. Jason Borgen

Jason is hoping to hire a countrywide K-12 Computer Science Coordinator to help manage the program. You can meet and learn more about Jason at Titans of Tech 2020.

Another organization leading the charge is the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board (“WDB”).

Credits: Workforce Development Board, County of Santa Cruz

The Workforce Development Board hired consulting company CAEL to research and report on the tech jobs available in Santa Cruz, and the pathways required to attain these jobs. Between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, there were 927 tech postings for everything from software development engineer to business systems analyst. The report further describes a pathway from entry level tech jobs (no prior experience) to the highest paying jobs. A portion of this project is finding areas where non-traditional training such as apprenticeships, bootcamps, or short-term credentials can offer the industry access to a larger piece of the population in Santa Cruz County.

“A solid foundation of clear, concise, and informative pathways can truly set a community apart in today’s constant struggle for skilled talent. The Santa Cruz County WDB has recognized the importance of these career ladders and is taking the necessary steps in creating an environment where local tech companies have an opportunity to flourish through the development and retention of a high-quality workforce.” Andy Stone

Both COE and WDB are working with Cabrillo College, Digital NEST, CSUMB, UCSC, and Santa Cruz Works to execute these plans. Santa Cruz Works will soon offer Educator Pricing to schools for teachers who want to bring students to the monthly New Tech Meetup, Skills Clinics, and Company Spotlight Breakfasts.

And there is a new player on the block. Dean Hovey, formerly with IDEO, is applying Design Thinking methodology to grow a thriving tech community. In collaboration with Digital NEST and the City of Watsonville, we are hoping Design Thinking methodology can be applied successfully. Dean Hovey and Dave Evans will present at the February 5, 2020 Santa Cruz Works New Tech. Don’t miss it!

The Pathway to Tech Careers in Santa Cruz County