Workforce Development Program in Orange County
UpSkill OC aims to support candidates by enrolling them in training so they possess the skills employers in Orange County seek.
United Way’s UpSkill OC workforce development program supports underemployed and unemployed adults as they move from unemployment or low-wage positions into long-term, livable wage, middle-skill occupations. These jobs require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree.
UpSkill OC directly connects qualified candidates to training, support, and middle-skill jobs by partnering with local nonprofits, educational programs, and the business community. The program ensures a strong job pipeline that matches the needs of the employer with trained candidates. By focusing on the largest middle-skill job sectors in Orange County, particularly—healthcare, the trades, and information technology—UpSkill OC reduces the gap between the number of job openings and the number of individuals ready to fill those positions.
UpSkill OC is part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security℠ initiative, which aims to ensure local struggling families find financial security by delivering programs that focus on the most important tools to build financial stability.
Success Stories
After a long and complicated divorce, Alba was forced to start over and rebuild her life. In order to support herself and her daughter, she realized she needed to find a career that provided more work-life balance. With an interest in human well-being and development and a desire to make an impact in her local community, Alba decided she wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. After connecting with Orange County United Way’s UpSkill OC program, Alba was accepted to Concorde Career College’s Licensed Vocational Nursing program. Through hard work, diligent communication, and unwavering dedication, Alba has successfully completed her first quarter of training. “It’s been a real blessing as I work my way up to being a registered nurse. The staff has been so wonderful in helping me get started, providing career advice, and providing funding and support for training. Their services are excellent, to say the least. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A Veteran who enrolled in UpSkill OC with the goal of becoming a Class A Driver. He had been working as a delivery driver, but wasn’t earning enough to support his family. With a focus on increasing his income and improving self-sufficiency, Andrew worked closely with his UpSkill OC Case Manager to find a school that would allow him to maintain employment while attending training. Andrew was soon connected to an employer who not only offered training to become certified as a Class A Driver, but also offered employment as a Driver Helper at a rate of $3/hour more than his delivery job. Congratulations, Andrew!
Program Services & Support
Contact Us
For more information about UpSkill OC, please contact the UpSkill OC team via email or call 949.263.6114.
Donate to United for Financial Security
Make a financial contribution to support the United for Financial Security initiative.
