NOCC INITIATIVE
Launching Pathways for Success
R
ecognizing that the business community needs a workforce
Focused on four valued sectors – Advanced Manufacturing and
prepared for a 21st century global economy, North Orange
Engineering; Healthcare; Information Technology; and Hospitality
County Chamber (NOCC) has designed a multi-year
and Tourism – the program engages regional partners in councils
initiative to build relationships between business professionals and
where they identify and work to close industry skill gaps through
educators to develop a highly qualified and well-educated workforce.
education and training. These councils are designed to help prepare
This program has been developed in partnership with the Orange
a sustainable workforce able to adapt to the changing needs of the
County Department of Education through the OC Pathways program
region. These partnerships are working to develop robust talent
and the North Orange County Community College District.
pipelines through education and training the current and future
Named the Workforce Development Collaborative (WDC), the initiative
workforce. The program aims to develop the technical, academic and
launching during the 2017-18 academic year, provides the region
workplace skills needed to streamline talent to meet the business
an updated approach to educating focused on mounting strategic
communities’ workforce needs.
solutions for developing the next generation of global leaders. By
For more information or to express interest in getting involved,
doing so, we can ensure a highly skilled workforce equipped with
contact Gabriel Sauceda at gabriel@NOCChamber.com
industry-valued and recognized post-secondary credentials with established labor market value. Through the WDC, the Chamber is working with our partners to increase the quality of career technical education programs and to design pathways, credentials and certificates. By directly involving industry professionals in the training process, students enter the workforce ready to perform skills demanded by industry. In partnership with educators, the programs’ initial efforts will engage high school and first-year community college students in career awareness activities. These activities include: • Engaging business professionals in the classroom • Providing an executive for a day program for teachers and administrators • Creating opportunities for student job shadowing
The NOC Chamber Members learning the importance of our local healthcare programs.
• Arranging site visits and tours of business
“My recent tour of Fullerton College coordinated for the Workforce Development Collaborative helped me realize how the training provided at the community colleges could help me identify more prepared employees.” Cindy Ayloush, CEO/CFO, Hydraflow Industry Professional Advisor for the Workforce Development Collaborative
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NOCChamber.com
The welding program at Fullerton College prepares students for jobs.
