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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />17 | Page <br /> <br />Ethnic disparities are also evident, <br />with Hispanic or Latino workers <br />representing 45.02% (29,591 <br />individuals) of the unemployed <br />population. Those identifying as not <br />Hispanic or Latino comprised a <br />slightly larger share at 54.98% <br />(36,136 individuals)39. These <br />figures suggest potential barriers <br />for Hispanic or Latino workers to <br />access stable employment <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />Orange County's unemployment <br />analysis underscores the need for <br />targeted workforce development strategies to address industry-specific challenges and <br />occupational skill gaps. Collaborative efforts between workforce boards, educational <br />institutions, and employers can help mitigate unemployment disparities while preparing <br />the labor force for future opportunities. <br />B. Analysis of the Educational and Skill Levels of the Workforce, the Current Needs <br />of Employers in the Region, and Relevant Skill Gaps <br /> <br />The county’s extensive public <br />educational infrastructure <br />includes nine California <br />Community Colleges (CCC), <br />one California State <br />University (CSU), and one <br />University of California (UC) <br />campus. In 2023, these <br />institutions collectively <br />supported over 84,491 <br />graduates, with a significant <br />concentration in liberal arts <br />and business administration.40 <br /> <br />This data underscores a potential disconnect between the fields in which students are <br />graduating and the region's growing demand for technical skills, suggesting opportunities <br />for stronger alignment between educational programs and workforce needs. <br /> <br />Orange County’s residents demonstrate above-average educational attainment <br />compared to national benchmarks. In 2023, approximately 87% of the population aged <br />25 or older have earned at least a high school diploma, and 51% hold an associate degree <br />or higher. However, these averages mask significant disparities across racial and ethnic <br />groups. While Orange County boasts impressive overall educational attainment, the <br /> <br />39 Lightcast. Economy Overview. <br />40 Lightcast. Economy Overview. <br />Data Source: Lightcast <br />!"#$!%C’#(%)(*+!%+I-’./%01$ <br />2P24 <br />!"#ABAB C’()GHI-.GLM-HNO-P4’)N4)MRC’()GHI-PLSO’)M B789!: <br />:!#A!AB ;SM’N)MM-.O<’N’MLGHL’=N-HNO->HNH?)<)NL8-@)N)GHI 78B99 <br />"!#ABAB AMB4C=I=?B8-@)N)GHI a8BbB <br />:B#acAB d)?’ML)G)O-eSGM’N?Rd)?’ML)G)O-eSGM)!8"B9 <br />!"#ABAa IS<HN’L’)MRIS<HN’ML’4-PLSO’)M B8cbB <br />aA#ABAB ;’=I=?’4HI-HNO-ACBM’4HI-P4’)N4)M B8:"c <br />BB#A7AB g=<hSL)G-P4’)N4)B8ac7 <br />aA#9999 >SIL’iRMNL)GO’M4’hI’NHGB-PLSO’)M8-NLC)G B8ab9 <br />!b#ABAB ;’=I=?BR;’=I=?’4HI-P4’)N4)M8-@)N)GHI B8ab7 <br />A9#ABAB Ph))4C-g=<<SN’4HL’=N-HNO-dC)L=G’4 B8aa9 <br />Data Source: Lightcast <br />Orange County Regional Institutions Top Program Completions <br />EXHIBIT 1