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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />35 | Page <br /> <br />The sector’s workforce initiatives prioritize addressing skill gaps and expanding <br />opportunities for underrepresented populations. Training programs focus on creating <br />pathways from entry-level positions to advanced healthcare careers. <br /> <br /> <br />Advanced Manufacturing <br /> <br />Advanced Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in Orange County’s economy, leveraging <br />cutting-edge technology to produce high-value goods across industries such as <br />aerospace, medical devices, and automotive. In 2022, the sector accounted for 111,821 <br />jobs, representing 6% of total regional employment. While projected growth is modest at <br />1% through 2027, this sector remains vital, generating over 13,000 annual job openings.60 <br /> <br />• Key Occupations: Industrial Engineers, CNC Machinists, and Electrical <br />Engineers.61 <br />• Median Wages: Ranges from $30.10 to $45.85 per hour for core roles.62 <br />• Growth Drivers: Innovation in advanced materials, robotics, and automation.63 <br /> <br />Approximately 57% of annual openings in the Advanced Manufacturing sector are for <br />below-middle-skill occupations, such as Assemblers and Machine Operators, which <br />require limited training. 35% of openings are for middle-skill roles, including CNC <br />Machinists and Maintenance Workers, requiring certifications or associate degrees. 8% <br />of openings are for above-middle-skill roles, such as Industrial Engineers and Mechanical <br />Engineers, which demand advanced education and technical expertise.64 <br /> <br />The sector’s workforce development efforts focus on aligning training programs with <br />employer needs, particularly in automation, robotics, and advanced materials. <br />Partnerships with community colleges and apprenticeship programs are critical in <br />developing a pipeline of skilled workers. <br /> <br />Information and Communication Technologies and Digital Media <br /> <br />The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Digital Media sector is a key <br />driver of innovation and economic activity in Orange County. In 2022, this sector <br />accounted for 89,656 jobs, representing 5% of all employment in the region. By 2027, <br />employment in this sector is projected to grow by 6%, adding an additional 5,681 jobs <br />and creating approximately 8,544 annual openings, including new and replacement <br />positions.65 <br /> <br /> <br />60 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Advanced Manufacturing. October 2024. https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/10/oc-sector- <br />profile-advanced-manufacturing/. <br />61 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Advanced Manufacturing. October 2024. <br />https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/10/oc-sector-profile-supplemental-appendices-advanced-manufacturing/. <br />62 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Advanced Manufacturing. <br />63 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Advanced Manufacturing. <br />64 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Advanced Manufacturing. <br />65 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital Media. July 2024. <br />https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/07/oc-sector-profile-information-and-communication-technologies-ict-digital-media/. <br />EXHIBIT 1