Some of the growing industries San Bernardino County residents hear about most are logistics and transportation, healthcare, construction and the skilled trades, manufacturing, and small business. For current numbers and job outlooks, the best source is the California Employment Development Department's Labor Market Information website.
Knowing which fields are hiring can help you choose training that leads to real jobs. This guide gives a plain overview of each area and how to get started in the Inland Empire.
Logistics: One of the Growing Industries in San Bernardino County
The Inland Empire is widely known as a hub for warehouses and distribution centers because of its highways, rail lines, and location near Southern California ports. Jobs in this field include:
- Warehouse associates and material handlers
- Forklift operators
- Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
- Dispatchers and logistics coordinators
- Truck drivers (a commercial driver's license is required)
Many people start in entry-level roles and move up to lead or supervisor jobs by building skills and a strong work record.
Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, and home care providers serve a large and growing population across the county. Some healthcare jobs need years of school, but others can be started with shorter training, such as:
- Certified nursing assistant
- Medical assistant
- Phlebotomy technician
- Medical front office and billing
- Home health aide
Many of these roles require a state license or certificate, so check with the official licensing agency before you enroll in a program.
Construction and the Skilled Trades
Building homes, roads, and businesses takes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, and more. Many trades use apprenticeships, where you earn a paycheck while you learn on the job. These are some of the best-known paid training programs for adults. Requirements vary, so check with the apprenticeship program or the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
Manufacturing
Local manufacturers make everything from food products to building materials. Common roles include machine operators, assemblers, quality inspectors, and maintenance technicians. Safety awareness, attention to detail, and basic math skills are valued in this field.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Not every career means working for someone else. Many residents start their own businesses in areas like food, beauty, cleaning, and professional services. Small business owners need skills in planning, marketing, bookkeeping, and finding customers. Some also grow by bidding on government contracts.
How Workforce Development in San Bernardino Connects You to These Jobs
Workforce development in San Bernardino is the network of programs that helps people get skills and connect with employers. It includes America's Job Centers of California, community colleges, adult schools, and nonprofits like The Ayangbah Foundation.
If you are wondering who funds workforce development programs, a major source is the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA funds flow from the U.S. Department of Labor to states and then to local workforce boards, which support training for eligible adults, youth, and dislocated workers. Other support can come from state programs, private foundations, employers, and individual donors.
To get started, you can:
- Register on CalJOBS, California's online job and training system.
- Visit the East Valley America's Job Center of California, 500 Inland Center Dr, San Bernardino, (909) 382-0440. Confirm hours at workforce.sbcounty.gov.
- Take a career assessment to see which field fits you best.
- Build job-ready skills that work in any industry.
FAQ
Where can I find current job data for San Bernardino County?
The California Employment Development Department's Labor Market Information site has up-to-date data on jobs and wages by county. Your local America's Job Center can also help you read it.
Which industry should I choose?
Pick a field that matches your interests, strengths, and life situation. A career assessment can help you decide before you spend time on training.
Do I need a degree to work in these industries?
Not always. Many entry-level roles in logistics, manufacturing, and the trades do not require a degree, though some jobs need a license or certificate. Always check the job posting.
Get Ready for a Growing Field
Whichever industry you choose, employers want people who communicate well, plan ahead, and keep learning. The Ayangbah Foundation's Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training builds those skills in 40 hours, in person in downtown San Bernardino, and it is $0 for WIOA-eligible residents. Apply online to join the next cohort.