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NOW Makes an Impact on Students
This past year, the North Orange County Chamber (NOCC) through its workforce division NOC WORKS, has been working with the Orange County Department of Education and the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) to strengthen partnerships benefiting our local business community. The Chamber has provided leadership for education and workforce development acting as a convener and increasing partnerships between the business community and educators, creating work-based learning opportunities for students and engaging with community based organizations.
As part of the program, the Chamber collaborated with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) and other businesses to present the first OC Manufacturing Week. The program, to be presented again this October, provided an opportunity to introduce over 100 high school students to the world of manufacturing. Businesses participating in the first year’s program included Hydraflow and PacMin, both based in Fullerton.
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Students celebrate OC Manufacturing week as they learn and observe the inner workings of Hydraflow, a company that specializes in creating engineered solutions for the fluid transfer industry.
“Engaging businesses during Orange County Manufacturing Week brought the world of design and production directly to the students,” explained Theresa Harvey, President and CEO of NOCC. “We are now beginning the process of planning and growing the program for the next two years and beyond. A State survey released in December showed that hiring within Orange County’s manufacturing sector continues to improve providing jobs that pay above average wages. The need for employees will continue to grow as global markets expand.”
Because not every business can open their doors to students, the Chamber also is working to introduce students to career opportunities via an online platform hosted by Nepris. In partnership with OC Pathways and the Orange County Department of Education, this online community enables teachers to virtually invite professionals into the classroom to link learning objectives to real work application. The Chamber has engaged with a variety of businesses in this venture including Strategy Beach, Crittenton Services for Children and Families and PacMin. Nepris is working to identify additional businesses with which to collaborate in the coming year.
Continuing the educational initiative, the Chamber has also been working with NOCCCD to train the next generation of employees for the region. Aligning with the Regional Plan adopted by the County, the Chamber is prioritizing jobs in medical technology and healthcare, hospitality and tourism, advanced manufacturing, and business systems.
By connecting with specific programs designed to train employees in these areas, the Chamber has fostered partnerships with NOCCCD which aim to enhance the student experience.
Students embraced opportunities to listen to manufacturing professionals and see first hand the process. Over 100 students explored careers in as part of OC Manufacturing week.
Businesses including Fullerton Marriott, Brea Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn Buena Park are working with students from the Culinary Arts program at Cypress College.
In addition, the Chamber is working with Fullerton College in their programs focused on technology and engineering to facilitate tours and training opportunities for students seeking jobs in hospitality.
Guest speakers from Care Ambulance, Anaheim Lighthouse, One Legacy, and Crittenton have actively participated with students from Savanna High School in Anaheim, encouraging them to continue their education at Cypress College which has programs focused on healthcare professions.
Working together with Community Colleges and OC Department of Education, the Chamber continues to identify ways to enhance opportunities for students. As it is often said, it takes a village.
- Theresa Harvey, President and CEO
