Local Employer Perspectives
This section presents perspectives from El Segundo area employers across the aerospace, technology, and entertainment sectors. These testimonials reflect the workforce challenges facing local industries and the value proposition of ESUSD's portfolio-based credential approach.
The following testimonials represent the perspectives expressed by employer representatives during initial partnership discussions. They reflect actual workforce concerns and hiring priorities in El Segundo's primary employment sectors.
Aerospace Sector​
Defense and Aviation Industry Perspective​
"We are facing a paradox in hiring. We need entry-level talent with practical AI skills, but our traditional hiring process relies on credentials that do not measure what matters anymore. A four-year engineering degree tells us someone completed coursework—it does not tell us whether they can actually work with the AI tools that are now essential to our operations."
— Director of Talent Acquisition, Major Aerospace Manufacturer
"The most valuable thing about a portfolio-based approach is that we can see how a candidate thinks, not just what they have memorized. When I review a student portfolio showing how they used AI to solve an engineering problem, I learn more in ten minutes than I would from an hour-long interview."
— Engineering Manager, Defense Contractor
Aerospace employers report that traditional entry-level hiring is declining due to AI automation of routine tasks, while demand for AI-capable talent continues to grow. The gap between these trends creates opportunity for students who can demonstrate practical AI capabilities.
"We have cut our entry-level hiring significantly because AI handles much of what junior analysts used to do. But we are desperate for people who can work alongside AI effectively. The students who can demonstrate that capability—not just claim it—will have opportunities that did not exist five years ago."
— Vice President, Aerospace Technology Firm
Technology Sector​
Software and Tech Services Perspective​
"I would rather hire a high school graduate with a strong AI portfolio than a computer science graduate who has never used AI in a real project. The landscape has shifted that dramatically. What matters now is demonstrated capability, and portfolios are the best way to see that."
— CTO, El Segundo Software Company
"The traditional credential system was designed for a different era. We need people who can learn rapidly, adapt to new tools, and demonstrate value from day one. A portfolio showing iterative problem-solving with AI tools is exactly the kind of evidence we need to make confident hiring decisions."
— Hiring Manager, Technology Services Firm
Tech employers consistently report that practical AI skills and adaptability now matter more than traditional credentials in entry-level hiring decisions.
"What excites me about the El Segundo model is the employer validation component. If we help define what readiness looks like, and we see students meet those standards through their portfolios, we can hire with confidence. That reduces our risk and accelerates their career paths."
— Founder, Technology Startup
"The peer mentoring aspect is undervalued. When I see that a student has taught AI skills to younger students, I know they truly understand the material. Teaching is the highest form of learning, and it also demonstrates the collaborative skills we need in our teams."
— Director of Engineering, Software Development Firm
Entertainment Sector​
Creative Industry Perspective​
"AI is transforming every aspect of production—from pre-visualization to post-production to distribution. The students who understand these tools will have career opportunities that older workers are scrambling to access. Starting this education in high school gives El Segundo students a significant head start."
— Production Executive, Entertainment Company
"We have traditionally hired based on portfolios in creative fields. Extending that model to AI skills makes perfect sense. I want to see what someone has actually created, not what courses they have completed. The ESUSD approach aligns with how our industry already evaluates talent."
— Creative Director, Media Production Firm
The entertainment sector has always valued demonstrated work over credentials. The ESUSD portfolio model extends this proven approach to AI capabilities across all industries.
"The ethical dimension is important to us. We need people who understand AI bias, who think critically about the tools they use. An education program that includes ethics alongside technical skills produces the kind of thoughtful talent our industry needs."
— Vice President of Technology, Streaming Service
"I would be willing to offer micro-internships to students who demonstrate strong portfolios. Ten to twenty hours of project work is low-risk for us and high-value for them. It is exactly the kind of pipeline that benefits everyone."
— Owner, Creative Agency
Partnership Commitment​
Employer Participation Model​
Local employers have expressed interest in the following partnership activities:
| Activity | Employer Interest | Student Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Review Panels | High | Industry feedback on work quality |
| Guest Mentorship | High | Professional relationship building |
| Micro-Internships | Moderate-High | Real work experience |
| Project Briefs | Moderate | Authentic problem-solving |
| Credential Validation | High | Employment advantage |
Year 1 Partnership Target​
Initial partnership discussions indicate strong interest from local employers. Year 1 activities focus on formalizing these relationships and establishing sustainable engagement structures.
Employer Value Proposition​
Participating employers receive:
- Pipeline Access — Early identification of AI-capable talent
- Hiring Efficiency — Portfolio review reduces interview and onboarding costs
- Community Engagement — Visible investment in local education
- Curriculum Input — Influence on skill priorities and standards
- Research Collaboration — Potential R&D partnerships with student teams
The Credential Evolution​
From Traditional to Validated​
"The El Segundo AI-Ready Certificate could become more valuable than a generic degree because it represents employer-validated, demonstrated capability. We helped define what readiness means, and students proved they meet that standard. That is a credential I trust."
— HR Director, Major El Segundo Employer
"Traditional credentials tell us that someone sat in classrooms for four years. A validated portfolio tells us they can actually contribute. In a market where AI handles routine tasks, the ability to contribute meaningfully from day one is everything."
— Division Manager, Aerospace Company
The Hiring Manager Perspective​
"If I had to choose between two candidates—one with a traditional degree and one with an El Segundo AI portfolio plus employer endorsements—I would choose the portfolio candidate every time. The evidence of capability is simply stronger."
— Hiring Manager, Technology Firm
Looking Forward​
The Partnership Vision​
"What El Segundo is building is not just good for students—it is good for our businesses and our community. We get better candidates, students get better opportunities, and El Segundo becomes known as a place that produces exceptional talent. That reputation benefits everyone."
— CEO, El Segundo Business Coalition Member
The employer partnership model creates mutual value: students gain validated credentials and real experience, while employers gain access to AI-ready talent and reduced hiring risk.
Commitment to the Future​
"We are committed to this partnership because the alternative—continuing to hire based on outdated credential systems while the economy transforms around us—does not serve anyone. El Segundo has the opportunity to lead, and we want to be part of that leadership."
— President, Local Industry Association
The perspectives presented here reflect a consistent theme: local employers recognize that the credential landscape is changing, value portfolio-based evidence of capability, and are prepared to partner with ESUSD to build a talent pipeline that serves students, businesses, and the community.