Josue Aguero moved to San Diego from Mexico at just ten years old with his family seeking better opportunities and a promising education. Today he is working on the city’s newest destination property as part of a union, an opportunity he achieved through San Diego College of Continuing Education.

Aguero first studied business at San Diego City College but had a strong yearning to learn a hands-on craft in residential and commercial construction. In March 2024, he found the High Roads Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Program, a paid pre-apprenticeship designed for students 18 and older.

In 2021, San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council partnered with the College of Continuing Education to make joining the 22 unions in the region accessible with a focus on minority populations and women.

“This program was everything I was looking for. We learned about different tools, carpentry, blueprint reading, and math which is essential for construction,” said Aguero. “The instructors became my mentors and the college provided me with tools as well as PPE gear.”

At no-cost apprenticeship readiness students earn OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, Boom/Scissor Lift certifications, and the MC3 Certification qualifying graduates for union apprenticeship programs, an opportunity that can take up to four years. Students learn at the Educational Cultural Complex and at active worksites including UCSD and the San Diego International Airport. To date, the college has graduated 10 cohorts, and supported 205 students in receiving an MC3 Certificate and has led 55 students into apprenticeship and union positions.

Aguero continued, “They fixed my resume with all my credentials and new certifications. I was ready for work, it was easy for me to get a job with this experience.”

Confident to land a career with his newfound skills, Aguero put in his two weeks at the restaurant where he was serving just before his graduation ceremony.

A dream achieved. He was immediately hired within the same month by Carpenters Local 619, a union labor for construction.

“I originally wanted to join the carpenters union so it worked out for me,” said Aguero. “I am currently working at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista that will open next summer.” According to the property’s website, the Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel and Convention Center will be a new destination resort inclusive of 1,600 rooms, multiple restaurants, a sports bar, a resort style pool, and an array of recreational facilities. 

The 28-year-old is in awe of the opportunity. “I can’t wait to look at the building and tell my future kids that I did that.”

His loved ones are also proud. “My family lives deep in Mexico, we’re from Durango, where they have not really been exposed to the construction industry,” explained Aguero. “Though when I describe my training and my career to them, they’re very proud of me, that I have achieved such a good opportunity in the US.”
Enrollment for the High Roads Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Program is ongoing. The next cohort will begin September 16th. For more information visit, Apprenticeship Readiness Program - San Diego Workforce Partnership.