Special Projects Coordinator – Apprenticeship Programs

South Bay Workforce Investment Board; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 35,583 - 50,599; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% health cost coverage

Sick and vacation time

Holidays

401k plan

Student loan forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

A dynamic workforce investment organization seeks a Special Projects Coordinator to lead apprenticeship programs across California. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years in workforce development, and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include coordinating high school apprenticeship programs, managing enrollments, and working with diverse stakeholders. This full-time role offers a salary range of $25.83 – $36.73/hr, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to impact career pathways for youth.

Qualifications

• At least three years of professional experience in workforce development or related fields.
• Experience coordinating programs in fast-paced environments.
• Reliable transportation with a valid California Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate high school youth pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.
• Assist with project orientations, enrollments, and participant services.
• Manage program logistics and build relationships with employers.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Job Summary

Come join the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (SBWIB, Inc.) Special Projects team and be part of a dynamic department supporting workforce initiatives that impact thousands of individuals across California and the nation. This role supports the development and implementation of apprenticeship and career pathway programs across a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, bioscience, energy, healthcare, information technology, and more. This position will serve as a primary coordinator for high school‑based youth pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across multiple school districts and industry sectors. The ideal candidate is energetic, adaptable, and passionate about workforce development, with the ability to work collaboratively across employers, educational institutions, and community partners to support meaningful career opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Deputy Director or designated authority, the Special Projects Coordinator – Apprenticeship Programs will act as an account manager to employers and support the coordination and implementation of workforce initiatives. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Program Coordination & Participant Services

• Assist with project‑specific orientations, enrollments, case management, job placement, and data entry as needed
• Enroll students and collect eligibility documentation to support program participation
• Enter participant information into the SBWIB participant tracking system
• Facilitate participant onboarding, including enrollment into work readiness training (e.g., Blueprint for Workplace Success)
• Deliver work readiness workshops and training sessions in classroom or group settings, including on‑site at high schools

Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordination

• Lead and coordinate the implementation of high school youth pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across assigned sites and regions
• Coordinate programming with school districts, teachers, and administrators to align with academic and career pathway goals
• Support student engagement, participation tracking, and successful program completion

Program Operations & Logistics

• Manage successful delivery of project milestones, particularly those related to employer and business engagement
• Coordinate program logistics, including arranging field trips, transportation (e.g., buses), and scheduling with schools and employer partners
• Plan and coordinate cohort activities, including graduations and participant events
• Coordinate travel as required, including occasional overnight travel and long‑distance driving

Partnerships & Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with employers across various industry sectors and coordinate program participation
• Participate in and/or conduct meetings with team members, boards, school districts, affiliates, and committees
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to support program success

Program Development, Reporting & Outreach

• Make public presentations and communicate program offerings to the community
• Assist with reporting, data tracking, and development of newsletters or program updates
• Support apprenticeship development, grant writing, and career pathway initiatives
• Assist with management of additional programs and special projects as needed

Additional Requirements

• Other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree*
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in workforce development, apprenticeship programs, education, training delivery, or a related field*
• Experience building strong business relationships and working with diverse populations
• Experience coordinating programs, projects, or participant services in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom)
• Reliable transportation with a valid California Driver’s License and insurance
• Ability to successfully pass background and reference clearances and comply with all safety protocols
• Ability to provide required documentation (e.g., U.S. citizenship or other credentials) to access secure employer or partner sites, as applicable (mandatory).
• Or any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering classroom instruction, workshops, or structured training, particularly in high school or youth settings
• Background in Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), or a related instructional field
• Experience supporting or coordinating apprenticeship or pre‑apprenticeship programs

Required Skills

• Ability to think critically, act strategically, and execute effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent problem‑solving and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with employers, partners, staff, and participants
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all work performed
• Passion for workforce development and serving diverse populations

Role Expectations

• This role requires a consistent, hands‑on presence to support the coordination and successful delivery of apprenticeship and career pathway programs, with a strong emphasis on high school‑based youth programming. The individual in this role is expected to actively engage with students, school partners, employers, and internal teams to ensure programs are effectively implemented and meet established goals.
• The position requires a high level of organization, responsiveness, and accountability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on program requirements, and adapt to changing needs in a fast‑paced environment. Regular in‑person engagement, including travel to school sites, partner locations, and events, is essential to the success of this role.
• The essential functions of this position are integral to its purpose and cannot be modified or removed without fundamentally altering the nature of the role. Individuals accepting this position acknowledge their understanding of these requirements and their ability to perform the essential duties as described.

Working Conditions

• This position requires flexibility and adaptability in response to organizational priorities, operational needs, and public health or safety protocols.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines related to program performance, funding requirements, and organizational initiatives.
• Requires periods of walking, standing, and sitting for extended durations, with active participation in meetings, site visits, and operational oversight activities.
• Regular travel is required to various program sites, partner locations, and meetings with stakeholders, employers, and community organizations.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license may be required due to the nature of the role.
• While the position is primarily office‑based, duties frequently require travel to multiple sites and in‑person engagement across the organization’s service area.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full‑time, nonexempt position (40 hours/week), generally with a starting wage commensurate with experience. The full salary range for this position is $25.83 – $36.73/hr. Our Company offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, which includes 75% health cost coverage (for employee only), sick and vacation time, holidays, and a competitive 401k plan. Employer is eligible for student loan forgiveness (PSLF). All full‑time employees are invited to participate in the company’s health benefits package after completing the 60‑90‑day employment introductory period.