MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute (TCI) Partners with the City of Oceanside to Offer Hire Local Program

Oceanside Residents Can Receive No-Cost Training in 

Accelerated Career Certificate Programs

Biomedical, engineering, and drone technicians are just a few of the programs MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute (TCI) is offering free for Spring 2023 to all Oceanside residents, thanks to Hire Local. 

Hire Local initiative, designed to stimulate economic vitality for local residents and businesses through a combination of Incentives, Development, Education, and Access (IDEA). Through this initiative, the City and College is working to bridge the gap between in-demand jobs and resident readiness to accelerate professional and business growth and create an economic multiplier for the City. Hire Local is funded by the City of Oceanside.

“MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute has an established, successful model of accelerated training that can rapidly train technical, collaborative, critical thinking and other essential abilities for high-demand, high-skilled jobs. These types of intensive, hands-on training programs are particularly important for individuals who may face barriers to accessing training and employment opportunities, including veterans, high school and alternative high school graduates, non-traditional learners, and unemployed/ underemployed workers,” explains MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke.

"MiraCosta College is dedicated to supporting our local businesses during a post pandemic workforce crisis. Our accelerated work skills programs can be completed in less than one semester and all students are provided paid internships after completion.  We're trying to get information out as soon as we can and create programs to help businesses and residents here." explains Linda Kurokawa, Executive Director for TCI.

Research shows that bridging the economic gap is enhanced with access to education and employment. In 2020, the City conducted a Needs Assessment with local businesses and discovered a set of high-demand jobs that have been hard to fill because talent is not ready on day one and on the job training slows productivity. The City then worked with the College to narrow the scope of eligible certificates for its Hire Local initiative to seven certificate programs that will help students be valuable contributors for hiring companies on day one.

"We see this as a win-win because it helps our residents find meaningful careers while creating a talent pipeline for our businesses, so they can stay here and grow here," described Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager for the City of Oceanside. Geller added the program is there to help people who lost their jobs amid COVID-19 get back on their feet. 

Geller added all residents are eligible as long as they meet the criteria.

To learn more or to view the full list of classes offered through Hire Local, visit MiraCosta.edu/HireLocal or contact Brent Bjorndal at MiraCosta TCI at 760.757-2121 x6593.