Orange County’s community colleges have long formed the cornerstone of workforce education and training in the region—but we couldn’t do it without the hundreds of industry partnerships that help us assess workforce needs, and inform our training and curriculum. Together, we ensure that students get the skills they need to find well-paying jobs, and local business get the well-educated workforce they need to grow and thrive!
There are so many ways you can help, and benefit from a partnership with your local Orange County Community College. You can further educate your employees, represent your industry on an advisory committee, hire interns, donate equipment, give company tours, speak to students in classrooms, or even help conduct mock interviews. We hope you will connect with us. All businesses are welcome as we serve students who are studying in dozens of industry sectors.
Welcome to the hub of Employer Engagement for Orange County’s community colleges — where education meets industry in meaningful, results-driven ways. Our mission is simple: to connect businesses with the talent, training, and tools they need to grow.Whether you’re looking to hire skilled graduates, upskill your current workforce, or help shape future programs, our dedicated team of Talent Development and Retention Directors (TDRDs) is here to support you.We believe strong partnerships drive stronger communities — and we’re excited to explore how we can work together.
We are the Employer Engagement Team behind Orange County’s community colleges — a dynamic crew of Talent Development and Retention Directors (TDRDs) and Career Education leaders working directly with local businesses to build a future-ready workforce.
We represent all four Community College Districts (CCDs) in Orange County and the nine main campuses among them
Additionally, we collaborate with regional and state partners to ensure the talent pipeline meets real-world workforce demands (including, but not limited to):
- Orange County Workforce Development Board
- Santa Ana and Anaheim Workforce Boards
- California Employment Development Department (EDD)
- Orange County Department of Education (OCDE)
- CEO Leadership Alliance (CLA) – Orange County
- Orange County Business Council
- K-12 ROP Pathway Coordinators
WHAT WE DO
We help employers:
- Connect with student talent through internships, apprenticeships, and job placement.
- Train and upskill teams via customized industry training.
- Bridge education and industry with faculty externships and advisory engagement.
- Shape workforce pathways by aligning programs with in-demand skills and credentials.
Each of our four core initiatives is backed by a dedicated TDRD:
- Work-Based Learning & Internships
- Career Placement & Hiring Connections
- Pathways & Prior Learning Assessment
- Industry Training Solutions
We’re not just about programs — we’re about partnerships that work.
WHERE IT HAPPENS
Across Orange County, on campus and in the workplace, we collaborate across:
- Community Colleges and associated Continuing Education sites
- K-12 and adult education systems
- Workforce boards, chambers, and employers like you
We meet you where your needs are, whether that’s on-site training, virtual career fairs, or strategic workforce planning.
WHEN TO ENGAGE
Right now. Whether you need to hire, train, or consult on curriculum, we’re ready to collaborate year-round.
Let’s work together to:
- Solve hiring challenges
- Co-design training programs
- Provide student talent solutions
- Grow your future workforce
Email cossio_muniz_ruth@rsccd.edu or call (714) 564-5577
Partner with our community colleges to strengthen the workforce of today and tomorrow. We connect businesses with students, alumni, and training programs that align with industry needs—making it easier to find the right talent, upskill your workforce, and invest in the community.
We are your regional hub for internships, apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and externships.
- Host students for hands-on learning experiences.
- Meet future employees before they graduate.
- Gain recognition as an employer committed to workforce development.
We’re your go-to resource for all the “ships.”
Connect about WBL → Email TDRD Jorge Saucedo-Daniel at saucedo-daniel_jorge@rsccd.edu
Every district has a dedicated Talent Development & Retention Director (TDRD) to help employers quickly connect with job-ready students and graduates.
- Streamlined hiring support.
- Access to talent with in-demand skills.
- Input on training programs to fit your workforce needs.
Partner on Career Placement → Email TDRD Stephanie Feger at sfeger@cccd.edu
Our CPL programs help employees and job seekers earn college credit for existing skills—speeding up credential completion and getting talent work-ready faster.
- Upskill your workforce efficiently.
- Support veterans and adult learners.
- Build a more diverse and equitable talent pipeline.
Learn about CPL → Email TDRD Ferdie Santos at fsantos@fullcoll.edu
- Tailored programs for technical and leadership skills.
- Strengthened career pathways that retain talent in the region.
- Opportunities to co-create training with colleges.
Explore Training Options → Email Jon Caffery at jcaffery@saddleback.edu
Meet the team leading our employer engagement efforts across the region. Our Regional Director and Talent Development and Retention Directors (TDRDs) work collaboratively to connect education with industry needs — helping businesses find talent, design training, and shape workforce solutions. With ties to local employers and a strong understanding of regional priorities, this team is your go-to resource for building impactful partnerships that benefit both students and industry.
Sign up for workgroup forums, information sessions, job fairs, advisory committees, guest speaking in classrooms, and much more! We will reach out to you.
Did you know Orange County’s community colleges are the largest provider of custom, corporate workforce training in the region? If you’re looking for a way to boost performance and your bottom line, corporate training from a trusted, regional career education program might be just want you need. Contact one of our regional directors of employer engagement to learn more!
