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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />34 | Page <br /> <br />education and workforce initiatives. While recognizing the importance of all eight sectors, <br />the region’s workforce boards will continue to focus on four key sectors—Advanced <br />Manufacturing, Health, ICT/Digital Media, and Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism—while <br />expanding efforts to include Energy, Construction, and Utilities as a fifth priority sector. <br />This expanded focus reflects the increasing demand and opportunities within the green <br />economy and infrastructure-related fields. <br /> <br />Although these five sectors will serve as the primary focus, the workforce boards will <br />continue to support initiatives in the remaining sectors to ensure the workforce system <br />addresses the diverse needs of Orange County’s economy. The following sections will <br />explore the economic significance and workforce potential of Advanced Manufacturing, <br />Advanced Transportation and Logistics, Energy, Construction, and Utilities, Health, and <br />ICT/Digital Media, providing insights into their current landscape and future opportunities. <br /> <br />Healthcare <br /> <br />The Healthcare sector is one of Orange County's most vital and rapidly expanding <br />industries, driven by an aging population, increased healthcare access, and <br />advancements in medical technology. As of 2022, this sector accounted for 213,359 jobs, <br />representing 12% of total employment in the region. By 2027, healthcare employment is <br />projected to grow by 15%, adding 32,605 new jobs and generating 30,724 annual <br />openings.55 <br /> <br />• Key Occupations: Home Health and Personal Care Aides, Registered Nurses, <br />and Medical Assistants are among the most in-demand roles in the sector.56 <br />• Median Wages: Key roles offer competitive compensation, with Registered <br />Nurses earning a median hourly wage of $60.39 and Medical Assistants earning <br />$19.26.57 <br />• Growth Drivers: Increased demand for eldercare services, technological <br />innovations like telehealth, and expanded healthcare facilities are fueling sector <br />growth.58 <br /> <br />Approximately 85% of annual job openings in the Healthcare sector are for middle-skill <br />occupations, such as Medical Assistants and Nursing Assistants, which typically require <br />certifications or short-term training programs. Above-middle-skill roles, including <br />Registered Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technologists, account for 13% of openings <br />and often require bachelor’s degrees or higher. Below-middle-skill roles make up the <br />remaining 2%, offering entry-level opportunities in the sector. These diverse career <br />pathways ensure that the Healthcare sector provides accessible options for a wide range <br />of job seekers, from those entering the workforce to highly specialized professionals.59 <br /> <br /> <br />55 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Health. July 2024. https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/07/oc-sector-profile-health/. <br />56 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Health. July 2024. https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/07/oc- <br />sector-profile-supplemental-appendices-health/. <br />57 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Health. <br />58 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Health. <br />59 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Health. <br />EXHIBIT 1 <br />  <br />  <br />City Council 8 – 41 5/20/2025