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Orange County WDBs PY 2025-28 Unified Local Plan <br /> <br />23 | Page <br /> <br />economic mobility. In alignment with the California Workforce Development Board’s <br />High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) framework and the Orange County Climate <br />Action Plan (CAP), the WDBs collaborate with strategic planning partners, industry <br />leaders, and community organizations to integrate sustainability into workforce <br />programs. These efforts aim to reduce environmental impact, create career pathways <br />in green industries, and expand opportunities for disadvantaged populations. <br /> <br />California’s High Road vision, reinforced by the Orange County CAP, prioritizes equity, <br />climate adaptation, and job quality, ensuring that workers and businesses can <br />transition to a carbon-neutral economy while addressing economic vulnerabilities. The <br />WDBs are committed to developing training programs, sector partnerships, and <br />industry-driven strategies that align workforce development with climate action and <br />economic resilience goals. <br /> <br />Stakeholder discussions and research on high-road workforce strategies have <br />identified several challenges and opportunities in expanding sustainable workforce <br />initiatives. These include: <br /> <br />• The need for more apprenticeships and job placement opportunities in <br />climate-resilient sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, green <br />construction, and environmental technology. <br />• Limited awareness and accessibility of green career pathways, particularly <br />among historically disadvantaged communities and displaced workers. <br />• Industry shifts due to California’s transition away from fossil fuels, highlighting <br />the urgency of reskilling and workforce training programs to support workers <br />transitioning into clean energy and sustainability-focused jobs. <br /> <br />Expanding partnerships among workforce agencies, sustainability-focused <br />employers, and climate-conscious community-based organizations is critical to <br />ensuring that green workforce initiatives remain accessible, inclusive, and aligned <br />with evolving industry needs. <br /> <br />Ongoing Collaboration and Service Coordination <br /> <br />The WDBs collaborate with regional planning partners, industry leaders, and training <br />providers through the Jobs First initiative (formerly the Community Economic <br />Resilience Fund - CERF) to develop workforce strategies that support environmental <br />sustainability, climate adaptation, and equitable economic development. <br />Through this collaboration, the WDBs aim to: <br /> <br />• Align workforce development with the County’s climate action goals, ensuring <br />training investments promote economic mobility, workforce resilience, and <br />green job expansion. <br />EXHIBIT 2