Uplift Grant Fuels SLO Partners’ Effort to Expand Career Pathways in Aerospace and Manufacturing

San Luis Obispo, CA –   SLO Partners, a program of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education and leader in career upskilling and apprenticeship programs in California, has been awarded a grant from the Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program. The funding will help locals access training, mentorship, and credentials, connecting them directly to high-demand careers in precision manufacturing - one of the fastest-growing sectors on the Central Coast.

The new grant builds on SLO Partners’ successful apprenticeship and bootcamp programs, creating clearer connections between high school students and local employers. It will specifically help guide students who thrive in hands-on classes, like auto-shop, wood shop, and welding, toward rewarding careers in manufacturing that don’t require a four-year degree.

“Manufacturing is booming on the Central Coast, but not every job needs a four-year degree,” said Paula Mathias-Fryer, Senior Director at SLO Partners. “This grant helps us strengthen our talent pipeline, giving locals direct access to meaningful jobs. It’s all about helping students turn their skills and interests into successful careers right here in our community.”

Local aerospace companies like ES Aero have emphasized the need for skilled technicians in the region. Typically, one engineer requires six skilled technicians to support them. SLO Partners addresses this exact workforce gap, making sure students receive professional training, mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials.

“Our goal is straightforward: to help local students explore career paths they might not have previously considered, and to provide the resources and connections they need to succeed,” said Jennifer Clayton, Director of Student Relations at SLO Partners. “We’re acting locally but thinking globally - strengthening our local workforce to meet growing global demand in aerospace and manufacturing.”

The initiative aims to leverage SLO Partners bootcamp alumni as mentors, potentially offering stipends for industry professionals to engage with students, and exploring ways to connect high school pre-apprenticeships with existing apprenticeship and bootcamp programs.

“We’re creating opportunities that can change lives,” Clayton added. “Our message to parents, teachers, and students is simple: rewarding, high-quality jobs are available right here at home, and a successful career doesn’t have to follow a traditional college pathway.”

SLO Partners’ Uplift grant is part of a larger Tri-County initiative alongside the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, UCSB PaCE, and CSU Channel Islands.

The Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program is focused on economic growth, workforce development, and equitable career opportunities throughout the Central Coast. SLO Partners was chosen for funding based on its track record of developing practical, career-focused training programs aligned closely with regional needs.

About SLO Partners

SLO Partners is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating accelerated career pathways and addressing local talent shortages. As an initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, SLO Partners works with local businesses to design training programs that connect residents with meaningful career opportunities, driving economic growth and community development on the Central Coast.

For more information, visit www.slopartners.org.