First SLO Partners bootcamp focused on medical device manufacturing gives locals a pathway into one of the region's evolving advanced manufacturing industries

San Luis Obispo, CA, August XX, 2026 - The Central Coast's advanced manufacturing economy is expanding beyond aerospace and aviation. Medical device manufacturing is becoming an increasingly important part of that growth, creating demand for skilled workers as the region continues investing in high-value industries.

SLO Partners is responding by adding a new medical device manufacturing component to its Modern Manufacturing Bootcamp in partnership with Trelleborg. Participants will also build and fly a drone, learn to solder electronics and assemble a 3D printer, preparing them for careers across aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. The program connects local residents with growing industries while helping strengthen the region's skilled workforce.

"We’re proud to have a Trelleborg Medical Solutions medical device manufacturing facility right here in Paso Robles and to be part of the local community,” said Jennifer Hocker, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager at Trelleborg Medical Solutions. 

“Partnering with SLO Partners gives us an opportunity to expand our workforce, connect more closely with the community and introduce local residents to rewarding careers in medical device manufacturing. We offer meaningful opportunities for people to develop their skills and grow their careers, and we’re committed to hiring locally as we continue investing in our people and the future of our community."

The curriculum was developed with Trelleborg, whose Central Coast facility manufactures silicone components and assemblies used in implantable medical devices. Participants learn the precision standards and quality practices used in modern medical manufacturing while gaining hands-on experience in medical device assembly, electronics, product testing and soldering.

The program also marks the first Modern Manufacturing Bootcamp to be held at the Encore Center in Paso Robles. Established through a partnership between the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education and the SLO Career Technical Education Foundation, the center was created to expand workforce education and strengthen connections between local industry and career training across the Central Coast.

"The Encore Center was created so education and industry could work together in ways that directly benefit our communities," said Dr. James Brescia, San Luis Obispo County Superintendent of Schools and board member of the SLO Career Technical Education Foundation. "Launching this program here is an important milestone because it reflects exactly what that partnership was designed to do: respond to the changing needs of our regional economy and help prepare the workforce of tomorrow."

The seven-week evening bootcamp runs September 14 through October 29 at the Encore Center in Paso Robles. Tuition is $399, with Women in Manufacturing scholarships available that reduce registration to $149 and provide a $500 completion scholarship. Registration is now open at www.slopartners.org.

About SLO Partners

SLO Partners is a workforce development initiative of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education that creates accelerated training and apprenticeship pathways aligned with the needs of Central Coast employers. Since 2014, SLO Partners has helped more than 1,000 Central Coast residents upskill for in-demand careers, with graduates increasing their salaries by an average of 31.5% while supporting the workforce needs of more than 100 local businesses. Through partnerships with employers, educators and community organizations, SLO Partners is helping build the skilled workforce needed to strengthen the region's economy.