Creating more good-paying jobs is only part of the equation. Equally important is creating inclusive pathways into those jobs, equipping people with the education, training and skills to build secure futures and ensure our region thrives by growing from within.
This imperative demands an across-the-board approach, expanding capacity and access across all types of degrees, certifications, training and “earn as you learn” programs to ensure everyone has the tools to succeed.
Empowering people means going beyond building skills and job readiness. It also means inspiring the region’s youth to pursue the bright opportunities in industries growing in our region and opening doors for underrepresented groups.
Taken together, these efforts will ensure the region and its residents can compete and thrive in an increasingly complex global economy.
What we're doing
Focused action to drive near-term wins and progress
1.
Aligning education and training programs with industry demand by developing regional industry councils to provide critical data on in-demand jobs and skills needed in growing industries.
2.
Scaling the network of precision technology and manufacturing training programs by aligning industry needs with community colleges and other training providers to equip more people with skills for in-demand and emerging jobs in a rapidly growing industry.
3.
Inspiring and engaging the next generation by raising awareness and engagement around career opportunities in growing industries and working alongside K12 educators and industry leaders to promote exposure to in-demand and emerging jobs, skills and industries.
4.
Cultivating public-private partnerships to strengthen education and workforce training by fostering collaboration across all levels of the education ecosystem—from K12 and community colleges to universities and apprenticeship programs—to support job creation and placement while equipping residents from all backgrounds with in-demand skills, particularly in growing industries.
SYSTEM CHANGES WE’RE CHAMPIONING
Broad-based activity to achieve the longer-term structural shifts, institutional alignment and cross-sector consensus needed for success
Cradle-to-career collaboration
Preparing the region’s residents for career success requires a fully integrated approach. We are engaging in new and existing efforts to strengthen communication and coordination across education, workforce, and industry systems to build cohesive pathways for lifelong learning and career readiness. This approach ensures we retain talent from our universities and nurture a skilled workforce from the ground up.
Expanded program availability and accessibility
The Central Coast simply doesn’t have enough degree, apprenticeship and certification programs to meet the needs of its residents. We are supporting a range of efforts to increase both options and access to associate, bachelors and advanced degrees as well as the career technical training needed to expand the skills and talent of the workforce.
Widespread adoption of skills-based hiring
Traditional hiring practices and other systemic barriers can unintentionally exclude qualified candidates. We are working to champion more equitable hiring practices and expand opportunities for the region’s diverse workforce.
Milestones + Momentum
Insights + Impact
New $$ to fuel people power
Dozens of career-connected education and workforce projects are moving forward under recently awarded grants.…
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Bolstering the talent pipeline
Our report on the talent landscape across key growing industries is driving a fresh approach on workforce development. …
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Dive into the data
Hundreds of data points shed light on the region’s workforce trends, labor supply and in-demand jobs and skills.…
Explore data
