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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />36 | Page <br /> <br />• Key Occupations: Software Developers, Computer User Support Specialists, and <br />Information Security Analysts are among the most in-demand roles, reflecting the <br />sector's reliance on a highly skilled workforce.66 <br />• Median Wages: Wages in the sector range widely depending on the skill level. <br />Software Developers, a high-demand role, earn a median hourly wage of $64.14, <br />while Computer User Support Specialists earn a median of $31.11.67 <br />• Growth Drivers: The sector’s growth is fueled by advancements in cybersecurity, <br />cloud computing, and digital media technologies, as well as the increasing <br />integration of technology across industries.68 <br /> <br />Approximately 65% of annual job openings in this sector are for above-middle-skill <br />occupations requiring advanced education and technical expertise. Middle-skill jobs, such <br />as Computer User Support Specialists, make up 27% of annual openings, highlighting <br />opportunities for workers with associate degrees or certifications.69 <br /> <br />Efforts to align workforce training with industry needs include expanding programming, <br />data analytics, and cybersecurity programs through partnerships with community colleges <br />and industry stakeholders. These initiatives ensure that job seekers are equipped to meet <br />the evolving demands of the ICT and Digital Media sector. At the same time, businesses <br />have access to the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive. <br /> <br />Energy, Construction, and Utilities <br /> <br />The Energy, Construction, and Utilities (ECU) sector is pivotal in building and maintaining <br />Orange County's infrastructure while addressing the region's energy and environmental <br />needs. In 2022, this sector employed 143,448 workers, representing 8% of all jobs in the <br />region. By 2027, employment in the sector is projected to grow by 6%, adding 15,488 <br />annual openings, including new positions and replacement needs.70 <br /> <br />• Key Occupations: Electricians, Construction Managers, and Plumbers are among <br />the most in-demand roles within the sector. Middle-skill roles such as HVAC <br />Mechanics and Installers also represent significant growth opportunities.71 <br />• Median Wages: Wages in this sector are competitive, with roles such as <br />Electricians earning a median hourly wage of $35.18, while Construction Managers <br />earn a median hourly wage of $52.02.72 <br />• Growth Drivers: The growth of this sector is driven by investments in renewable <br />energy, decarbonization efforts, and increased infrastructure development through <br />federal and state initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and <br /> <br />66 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital <br />Media. July 2024. https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/07/oc-sector-profile-supplemental-appendices-information-and-communication-technologies-ict-digital-media/. <br />67 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital <br />Media. <br />68 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital Media. <br />69 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital Media. <br />70 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Energy, Construction, and Utilities. August 2024. https://coeccc.net/orange- <br />county/2024/08/oc-sector-profile-energy-construction-and-utilities/. <br />71 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Energy, Construction, and Utilities. August 2024. <br />https://coeccc.net/orange-county/2024/08/oc-sector-profile-supplemental-appendices-energy-construction-and-utilities/. <br />72 Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research, Orange County Sector Profile: Supplemental Appendices – Energy, Construction, and Utilities. <br />EXHIBIT 1