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 are a key resource to our members in understanding how industry workforce needs impact local economic development."

Wayne Schell, Executive Director, Ca. Association for Local Economic Development (CALED)

Economic Development

Recruiting, Retaining and Growing California’s Businesses

Economic developers face increasing challenges in attracting new businesses to California. With fierce competition from other states, workforce talent is the number one consideration for businesses considering relocation. Economic developers need a competitive edge in demonstrating to business and industry an understanding of their issues and needs and the solutions that can solve problems. The Centers of Excellence provide data that demonstrate the economic impact of high growth sectors in California, along with important information that businesses need to make informed decisions. Unlike other state of the workforce reports, the COE’s environmental scans provide solutions to business and industry through the network of community colleges that develop specific curriculum to address workforce skills deficiencies.

Economic developers are invited to join our partnership events to discuss needs and solutions for building workforce talent. Economic developers can access our environmental scans to understand all aspects of emerging high growth and economically vital sectors in California.

Click here for an overview on how the Centers of Excellence benefit the work of economic developers in California.

Economic Development Options

Environmental Scans

Partnership Events