What’s New

Water & Wastewater Occupations

In Southern California, water and wastewater industries are projected to account for as many as 4,400 job opportunities for water and wastewater operators, mechanics, electricians and maintenance technicians over the next three years. More+

Access the archived Water & Wastewater webinar to learn more about the findings of this study and hear the discussion among a panel of experts from industry and education.

Solar Industry

In the Greater Sacramento region, solar industry employers expect to add more than 200 jobs over the next 12 months and about 950 jobs over the next three years. More+

Agriculture Value Chain

Based on research of California employers, the estimated combined growth of occupations in the agriculture value chain in the next five years could exceed 180,000 jobs. Read the Research Brief or the Environmental Scan.

"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