Positioning Long Beach as a hub for the aerospace workforce of tomorrow, City leaders, educators and industry innovators gathered this spring for the inaugural Space Beach Workforce, Education and Training Symposium.

Hosted by the Long Beach Economic Development Department in partnership with California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach City College, and the Long Beach Unified School District, the symposium symbolized a new chapter taking flight in Long Beach’s storied aerospace legacy. The mission was clear: to forge stronger pathways for talent into the City’s rapidly expanding aerospace ecosystem, affectionately dubbed "Space Beach."

Attendees spent the day immersed in panel discussions and collaborative conversations centered on strengthening career pathways tailored to the unique needs of the aerospace sector. Central to the event was a series of dialogues exploring how to better align education and workforce systems with industry demands. Topics ranged from modernizing skills training to expanding mentorship programs and increasing access to hands-on learning experiences. The symposium served not only as a forum for sharing ideas but also as a platform for laying the groundwork for tangible partnerships.

The symposium builds on the momentum generated by the Space Beach Camp launched in the summer of 2024. The camp introduced underserved youth to aerospace careers through immersive, work-based learning and mentorship programs.

Together, these initiatives signal a growing, community-driven movement to connect Long Beach residents of all ages with meaningful careers in one of the most future-focused industries in the world.

As Space Beach continues to rise as a cornerstone of Long Beach’s economy, events such as the symposium ensure that local talent will have every opportunity to lift off with it.

For those seeking career guidance, skills training or more information on workforce services, visit longbeach.gov/workforce.