The NOVAworks Launch Lab is helping redefine how local government creates opportunity. In partnership with the County of San Mateo, the Launch Lab is building new pathways into stable, living-wage public sector careers — opening doors for residents who have traditionally faced barriers to economic mobility and long-term career growth.

The effort grew out of discussions led by the Shared Prosperity Coordinating Council, an interdisciplinary group focused on expanding opportunity in a county marked by both tremendous wealth and significant economic inequities.  Guided by the Urban Institute’s  Upward Mobility Framework, the Council identified career pipelines as a critical strategy for creating long-term economic success.  The framework recognizes that true upward mobility is not just about income. It is also about being valued, with stability and greater autonomy in work and life.

With this vision in mind, the County partnered with the NOVAworks Launch Lab to develop pilot workforce pathways that create direct entry points into living-wage government jobs with benefits.  Two career tracks were selected for initial development: the Stationary Engineer Training Program and the Community Assistant Training Program.

The Stationary Engineer Training Program is designed to prepare participants for careers maintaining the County’s public facilities and infrastructure.  The program combines technical instruction, which will be coordinated through a partnership with the San Mateo County Community College District, with paid on-the-job training.  Participants will gain hands-on experience while learning specialized systems management skills needed for permanent Stationary Engineer positions.  The first cohort of trainees is expected to launch in fall 2026.

One early success has already created broader impacts beyond these initial programs. The County secured adoption of an amendment to its civil service rules that allows program participants who complete training requirements to move directly onto hiring lists for permanent positions without additional testing.  This rule change reduces barriers to employment and shortens the hiring time– a win for both career seekers and the County workforce system.

The Community Assistant Training Program is also gaining momentum. This initiative aims to prepare participants for a range of front-line County roles, including Public Services Specialist, Office Specialist and Community Worker positions.  These jobs play a critical role in helping residents navigate public services and can serve as steppingstones into higher-paying careers within County government.

County human resources leaders are working closely to ensure the program supports residents who face barriers to employment.  The long-term goal is to create an “earn-while-you-learn” model that combines skills training, wraparound support services and paid work experience.

With important and exciting work on both initiatives still ongoing, the Career Pathways Program represents a bold investment in inclusive economic and career growth.  By rethinking public sector hiring and building accessible pathways into meaningful careers, NOVAworks Launch Lab’s partnership with San Mateo County is creating a model for how local government can advance shared prosperity for all residents…from the ground up.