Why Workforce Development?
Orange County, like the nation, has transformed from an industrial-based
economy to a high-technology,
innovation-based economy. The result
is an ever-increasing need to provide educational and workforce development programs that prepare and motivate
students for high-skill, high-wage careers.
To cultivate a workforce fit for an
increasingly interdependent and competitive global economy, Orange County must promote initiatives that prepare its high school and community college students for vocational training, higher education, and (eventually) successful careers. OCBC believes that education and workforce investment programs represent the most important preparation we can accomplish today to safeguard the county’s economic future tomorrow.
Read about OCBC's Workforce Development Goals for 2008.
Of particular importance is promoting higher achievement in the S.T.E.M. Disciplines -- or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
As illustrated in the chart below, taken from OCBC's 2007 Workforce Indicators Report, enrollment in these key subjects by Orange County high school students is well below needed levels to produce the next generation of engineers, scientists and other high-tech workers needed to sustain the region's economy.
OCBC is partnering with these innovative initiatives to address this and other pressing workforce development issues:
For more information on OCBC's workforce development please contact Workforce Development Director Alicia Berhow.
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