What’s New

Water & Wastewater Occupations

Water and wastewater utilities and agencies across six Bay Area counties employ close to 1,600 workers in seven key occupations. In five years, there may be as many as 670 new and replacement jobs for these positions. More+

Energy Efficiency Workers

In the South Central region, employers are projected to add as many as 2,300 new jobs over the next three years in eight energy efficiency occupations. More+

ICT: Information & Communications Technologies

Employment in computer systems design and related services is estimated to grow nearly 40% and account for almost one-fourth of all new jobs created in California over the next five years. More+

"I attended the Inland Empire Carpentry Breakfast & Industry Panel. The quality and information presented was excellent. The Centers of Excellence did an outstanding job of leading the discussion and I received a wealth of information that will assist our organization in planning programs and preparing students."

Carole Klopschinski
Director of Instruction
Baldy View ROP

"I attended the regional industry panel event hoping to obtain useful information about the Medical Device Industry in the Inland Empire and make contact with industry reps and other interested entities. My expectations were surpassed. The info presented about the Medical Device Industry, both locally and statewide was very beneficial. I can now link with other event attendees for developing, planning, and partnering opportunities."

Wally Aguilar
CA Employment Training Panel

Partnership Events

Partnerships That Ensure Data Reliability

Engaging business and industry, along with workforce investment boards and professionals, and economic development agencies, is a unique aspect of our scans and reports. We host special events to connect community colleges with these important stakeholders to ensure the highest quality data is available to inform community colleges on curriculum development and new programs.

Check out our partnership events below, or contact one of our COE Directors for more information on how you can participate.

Understanding the Green Economy Webinar

In recent months, there is perhaps no subject creating more interest than "going green." Each week brings new entries to the flurry of reports addressing the green economy's potential impact on the state. And it is clear that California's community colleges will play a critical role in training a new, green-collar workforce. But just what is a green economy? And where are these green employers and green jobs exactly?

On Monday, June 29, COE directors presented the framework of the Understanding the Green Economy - A Community College Perspective (pdf) to acquaint colleges with the COE research into emerging industries and occupations.

Access the recorded session (with audio) or the slideshow presentation (pdf).

Developing a Workforce for the Green Economy

On Wednesday, February 11, the COE hosted a webinar focusing on the Green Economy Workforce in the Central Valley. During the one-hour session, Michelle Marquez, Director of the Central Valley Center of Excellence, presented the key findings of the Green Economy Workforce study conducted in 2008. Learn what employers had to say about the future of the Green Economy and explore the role of industry and workforce data in linking education programs to green jobs. Visit the Green Economy page to view the webinar presentation and access related report documents.

Emerging Trends in Game Development

Find out what employers had to say about the future of the game industry and their workforce needs and challenges. Hosted by the Multimedia and Entertainment Initiative and the Centers of Excellence, this webinar was held on Friday, October 10. To learn more about this dynamic industry, view the Emerging Trends in Game Development Webinar presentation or access related publications on the topic at www.coeccc.net/games.

Solar Industry & Workforce

In 2008, the Centers of Excellence conducted a survey of solar and solar-related businesses throughout California. Held on consecutive Fridays, May 30 and June 6, the Solar Industry & Workforce webinars discussed what employers had to say about the future of the solar industry and workforce.

Each webinar included a presentation of the study's findings as well as conversations with representatives from industry and the community colleges. Access the webinar presentation and related reports on the Solar Industry Study to learn more.