Building a Smarter City Workforce

The City of San José is investing in the people who power our services. The IT Training Academy is a City-led initiative that helps staff build the technical skills they need to deliver faster, smarter, and more effective service to our community.

Led by the Information Technology Department in partnership with the City's Learning and Development Division, IT Training Academy includes several programs designed to prepare staff for the tools and technologies that support San José. One example is the IT Lunch and Learn Series, a monthly training that helps City employees sharpen their skills during the lunch hour. These one-hour sessions cover topics like cybersecurity, digital accessibility, enterprise software, and artificial intelligence, helping staff stay up to date and ready to serve the public more efficiently.

The Academy also features two specialized training tracks:

• AI Upskilling Program: Teaches staff how to use generative AI tools to save time, increase efficiency, and support services like policy writing, coding, and document review.

• Data Upskilling Program: Helps staff learn to use data tools such as Power BI, GIS, and Tableau to turn information into insights that guide better decisions.

Both programs give staff hands-on experience with real projects from their departments. They help staff turn ideas into action, improving how we fill potholes, write grants, respond to resident requests, and more.

By training City staff to use data and technology responsibly, the IT Training Academy supports a more responsive, transparent, and forward-thinking government for San José residents.

AI Upskilling Program

The AI Upskilling Program to help City employees build skills and understanding in artificial intelligence, with a focus on Generative AI, or GenAI. The program was created by in partnership with San José State University.

Through this program, City staff learn how to use AI tools to work more efficiently and provide faster, higher-quality service to residents. On average, trained staff are saving more than an hour each day on everyday tasks like writing memos, reviewing grants, and summarizing documents.

Staff in the program have even created their own customized AI assistants using ChatGPT. These assistants help with things like analyzing data, taking meeting notes, and writing policy drafts, freeing up time to focus on helping our community.

Investing in City staff means better services for our residents. Whether it’s faster responses, clearer information, or more time to tackle important projects, this program helps ensure San José continues to be a leader in using technology to serve the public.

Interested in learning more about the curriculum of the AI Upskilling Program? View the past recordings of the course modules online!

Data Upskilling Program

At the City of San José, we know that good decisions start with good data. That is why we created the Data Upskilling Program , a hands-on training that helps City staff build data skills to improve the services you count on every day.

Launched in 2023, this program teaches staff from across departments how to analyze trends, map community needs, and create visual dashboards that guide better decisions. Whether it is filling potholes faster, improving park maintenance, or responding more quickly to 311 requests, this training helps staff find smarter ways to serve you.

Participants learn how to use tools like Power BI, GIS, Tableau, and SQL to turn raw information into clear insights. Each employee in the program brings a real project from their department to work on. This ensures the training has a direct and meaningful impact on City services.

The program is operated with support from San José State University. Staff receive expert guidance and present their final projects to City leadership, showing how their new skills make a difference.

The Data Upskilling Program is part of a larger effort to prepare staff to use technology responsibly and effectively. When we invest in staff training, we improve how we serve San José residents today and in the future.

Learn more about the City's Data Upskilling Journey on the GovAI Coalition's Substack.

Lunch and Learn Series

These one-hour training sessions help City staff build skills in areas like cybersecurity, accessibility, enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and data tools. Staff learn how to work smarter, respond faster, and use technology to better serve San José residents.

When staff are well-trained, it means fewer delays, better communication, and more reliable services for the community. Whether it is tracking service requests, analyzing data to fix problems faster, or improving digital accessibility, these sessions help staff stay sharp and informed.

The lunch and learn sessions give staff the chance to explore topics like:

• How to use enterprise software and business systems

• Tips for staying safe online and protecting City data

• How to build more accessible and inclusive digital services

• Updates on artificial intelligence, data tools, and cybersecurity

• New IT services that improve efficiency across departments