The Los Angeles Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research (LA COE), in collaboration with the Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) has released Asian American Employer Insights on Workforce Readiness: A Delphi Study of Asian American Leaders’ Perspectives on Workforce Readiness, AI Adoption, and the Future of Community College Talent in Southern California. 

The report captures the perspectives of Asian American business leaders across Greater Los Angeles on workforce readiness, AI adoption, hiring trends, and opportunities to strengthen community college talent pipelines. The study uses two rounds of employer input (a Delphi process) to pinpoint the skills and experiences students need for today’s workforce. Findings highlight the importance of developing applied AI skills alongside critical thinking, expanding internships and apprenticeships, strengthening employer partnerships, and integrating professional skills into real-world learning experiences. The study also identifies opportunities to build stronger connections between colleges and industry and provides actionable recommendations to help community colleges align programs with evolving workforce needs and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing labor market.

Read the full report here.