What’s New

Occupational and Physical Therapy Jobs

Employment in Occupational Therapist Aides and Assistants and Physical Therapist Aides and Assistants occupations is expected to grow much faster than average; almost 200 new and replacement jobs are projected through 2012 in the South Central Region. More++

Green Economy

Based on a 2008 survey of Central Valley businesses in energy, building and design services, engineering and environmental services, as well as government and public administration, over 79% of employers indicated that the green economy will be important in focusing their future products and services. More++

HVAC Occupations

California’s long-term energy goals call for transforming heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to ensure optimal energy performance for the state’s climate. By 2014, over 20,000 people will be employed in these occupations in Los Angeles County. More++

"The Centers of Excellence provides the NSBIA Workforce Development Program with timely and reliable labor market information on a variety of occupations. The newsletter keeps us posted on up-to-date labor market research and emerging labor issues related to our industry. The staff is knowledgeable about other information resources. They are prompt with responses, and provide great customer service. Our program would suffer without their service."

Rick Larkey
Workforce Development Director
North State Bldg Industry Assn

Success Stories

Relevant Data for Relevant Curriculum

California’s video and computer game industry

The Issue

While the video and computer game industry continues to evolve, there was no current data for the Los Angeles and Orange counties and San Francisco Bay regions on the number of firms and employees, the future employment trends and growth in employee demand, and types of entry-level opportunities available for community college graduates. Getting this data was critical to both community colleges and the industry to better understand future directions and to prepare the future workforce.

The Response

The Centers of Excellence partnered with EWD’s Multimedia and Entertainment Initiative (MEI), the Entertainment Economy Institute (EEI) , and Godbe Research on a study to identify the workforce needs of the video and computer game industry, a significant sub-sector of the digital media industry. Other strategic partners in the project included the Employment Development Department Labor Market Information Division, the Workforce Investment Boards in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, Game Developer Magazine, and the International Game Developers Association. An environmental scan report was produced providing an overview of the industry, its economic impact, training needs, and possible college responses. A database of employers, previously unavailable to colleges, and a report on occupational profiles were also produced as part of the project.

The Findings

Based upon a survey of industry executives, it was estimated that video and computer game companies would require an additional 4,000-7,000 workers over the subsequent 12 months across Los Angeles and Orange counties and San Francisco Bay regions, representing a growth rate of 21 percent.

In November 2006, MEI and the Centers of Excellence produced a statewide Webinar to introduce the findings to over 45 faculty, administrators, and partners interested in responding to the industry. The Webinar inspired a statewide discussion resulting in a spring symposia held at Mission College. Fifty-six faculty and ten industry partners were brought together to discuss skills needed, instructional technologies, and curriculum. Subsequently, MEI Centers at Pasadena and Santa Barbara hosted events to bring together faculty and industry. In February 2007, the MEI sponsored more than 50 faculty from across the California Community Colleges to attend the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco including a special evening session.

The Results

To date, 18 colleges from across the state have reported that they are currently developing or planning on developing or adapting courses, certificates, and degree programs within the next year. The findings from the Computer and Video Game Scan were also cited on National Public Radio.