Construction

This grant project aims to address the critical skilled labor shortage in Orange County’s construction industry, driven by an aging workforce and a growing demand for workers skilled in sustainable building practices, AI, robotics, and modular construction. Despite strong job growth projections—with over 15,000 annual openings offering wages above the county’s living wage—current education and training programs lack alignment with these evolving industry needs, especially for underserved student populations. Significant equity gaps exist, particularly for female, Hispanic/Latino, low-income, foster youth, and English learner students, who face barriers to accessing and completing construction-related CTE pathways. By leveraging established partnerships with local community colleges, the project will align high school curricula with postsecondary programs, expand dual enrollment and certification opportunities, and integrate work-based learning to create a seamless pathway from K-12 to sustainable construction careers. Targeted outreach, tutoring, mentoring, and the use of AI and simulation technologies will support underserved students and close equity gaps. This initiative directly responds to regional labor market data and the Strong Workforce Program goals by preparing a diverse, skilled workforce equipped for high-wage, in-demand careers in the evolving Energy, Construction, and Utilities sector.

The K14 Pathway Quality Strategies focus on enhancing green construction career education through two main pillars: Curriculum and Instruction, and Work-Based Learning. The curriculum strategy involves developing an industry-aligned green construction program with integrated AI and sustainable technologies, dual enrollment opportunities with local community colleges, and professional development for teachers to ensure equitable access and high instructional quality. Measurable goals include student enrollment, certification attainment, and proficiency in advanced skills by 2026-2027. The work-based learning strategy emphasizes building career readiness by providing students with hands-on experiences through internships, apprenticeships, community partnerships, and industry events, targeting equitable access for underserved students. Outcomes aim for high participation in work-based learning, job preparation workshops, and successful transition into apprenticeships or green construction careers, fostering sustainable pathways to high-demand, high-wage jobs.