The California Workforce Accelerator is a statewide partnership where employers can create training materials that reflect business needs and integrate them into classrooms.
Sacramento, Calif., November 19, 2024 – Calbright College, an online community college in California dedicated to improving equity and access in higher education, will help launch the California Workforce Accelerator (CWA) to bridge the skills gap in key California industries. The CWA will address industries’ need for talent with the skills and experience to work entry-level jobs while creating pathways to greater economic opportunity for workers.
This tech-driven public-private partnership will allow businesses to integrate the training needed to succeed in their industries directly into classroom instruction. The California Workforce Accelerator is a collaboration between Calbright College, education technology leader NexusEdge, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and customer platform HubSpot.
“The California Workforce Accelerator will revolutionize how we connect students with the skills that employers demand today,” said Michael Younger, Vice President of Workforce, Strategy, and Innovation at Calbright College. “By integrating employer-guided learning into our classrooms, our students will not only learn in-demand skills but also earn credentials that lead to real job opportunities. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible, flexible, and future-focused education that prepares Californians for the workforce of tomorrow.”
The California Workforce Accelerator will begin as a pilot program with 100-150 Calbright students, with the long term goal of expanding to students across the California Community Colleges system. Students will access the employer-vetted modules via the CWA platform, powered by the NexusEdge Canvas app.
“Through the California Workforce Accelerator, we can bridge the gap between education and employment by creating partnerships that will integrate employer’s training into classroom instruction,” said Eddie Lin, Co-Founder and CEO of NexusEdge. “NexusEdge will empower students with the micro-credentials and workforce opportunities necessary to pursue their dreams and follow rewarding career paths in close partnership with Calbright College, HubSpot, and the state of California. Together, we can create economic equality at scale with innovative programs like the CWA that intentionally align the skills our local labor market demands with the lessons our students learn.”
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development will play a critical role in identifying new employer partners to participate in the Accelerator.
“By bringing together businesses and higher education, the California Workforce Accelerator creates a powerful pathway for developing California’s innovation force. Employers can directly shape the skills being taught, ensuring students are ready to step into high-demand roles. This cutting-edge initiative will fuel economic growth, create new opportunities, and help build a more resilient workforce for our state.” said Dustin McDonald, Regional Business Development Specialist for the Los Angeles & Orange Counties Region at the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
As part of the program’s pilot, participants will complete modules shaped by Accelerator employer partner HubSpot that will focus on AI use and digital marketing skills. Participants will then be eligible for a “micro-internship” training program, which will offer live instruction on HubSpot software, digital marketing, and AI tools led by industry experts. Participants are then paired with HubSpot customers to work on hands-on projects that showcase their abilities. Beyond technical skills, students acquire important experience in developing soft skills such as client management and communication, collaboration and brainstorming with peers, and proactively managing project timelines and deliverables. The modules will become available for students in March 2025.
“The California Workforce Accelerator will be transformative in preparing students for careers in marketing,” said Karen Ng, SVP of Product and Partnerships at HubSpot. “The role of the marketer is shifting, and AI is at the center of that change. Through our micro-internship program and Marketing AI curriculum, we’re creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with the latest AI tools while working with the world-class HubSpot marketing community. This program embodies our belief that ‘learn it all’ beats ‘know it all’ and furthers our commitment to helping generations of marketers grow their careers.”
Earlier this week, Calbright College announced a new partnership with TechSF to create paid pre-apprenticeships and new pathways for students and job seekers. Throughout the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week, Calbright has unveiled two initiatives that drive career opportunities for Californians, illustrating the College’s position as a workforce catalyst for the state of California. For more information, visit the California Workforce Accelerator website.
Calbright College is a new kind of community college designed to support the needs and goals of adult learners. Established in 2018, Calbright is a statewide, online, and flexible California Community College that offers accessible and career-focused programs—based on in-demand skills from IT to CRM Platform Administration to Data Analysis. Calbright’s free and flexibly paced model, which utilizes competency-based education, adapts to the schedules of California’s working-age adults to provide the rigor of higher education without the logistical hurdles of a traditional institution.
