San Diego Program Trains Incarcerated for Defense Jobs
Rise Up Industries partners with the U.S. Navy to prepare graduates for skilled roles in defense manufacturing.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Rise Up Industries in San Diego trains recently incarcerated individuals for careers in the defense industrial base. The U.S. Navy has extended a partnership contract with the organization to help address a significant labor shortage.
Why it matters
The defense sector faces a critical labor shortfall as skilled machinists retire and training programs have declined. This initiative fills essential gaps while providing stable careers for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Graduates earn starting wages of approximately $30 per hour after completing the 18-month program. The defense industry currently faces 400,000 unfilled skilled-trade positions.
The players
Rise Up Industries
A San Diego-based organization that provides vocational training and transition services for formerly incarcerated individuals.
U.S. Navy
The branch of the United States Armed Forces that has entered into a partnership contract with Rise Up Industries.
The details
Students gain expertise operating precision tooling machines to manufacture components for military drones and other hardware. The 18-month program supports participants with housing, financial literacy classes, and peer support groups while paying full-time wages.
Timeline
Rise Up Industries began its transition program in 2016.
The organization expanded into a larger facility in southeast San Diego in 2025.
Training activities were observed at the facility in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The growth of specialized training programs mirrors the urgent need to replenish a shrinking skilled-trade workforce. This effort positions Rise Up Industries as a vital link in the defense manufacturing supply chain as the sector competes for talent.
Local residents looking to enter the manufacturing trades benefit from the program's full-time wages during training and guaranteed employment upon graduation. The initiative secures high-paying positions for participants, typically starting at $30 per hour.
The takeaway
This program demonstrates that targeted vocational training can effectively bridge the gap between incarceration and stable, high-skilled employment. By focusing on precision machinery, graduates are well-positioned for the significant labor demand in the defense sector.
Further reading
For more on workforce development in this sector, visit Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPBS.
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