The South Central Coast Center of Excellence (SCC COE) has released its Top Jobs and Equity Assessment report. This report identifies 37 Top Jobs in the SCC Region and examines the demographic disparities among workers in these jobs, as well as students in vocational programs designed to prepare them for these roles.

The 37 occupations detailed in the report account for nearly 80,000 jobs in the SCC Region, are projected to grow 5% through 2028, and have typical entry-level wages of $37.80/hr, which is well above the regional living wage hourly threshold. However, various demographic groups are significantly underrepresented in these Top Jobs, including Hispanic or Latinos, Black or African Americans, and women.

The SCC COE also examined representation for demographic groups in vocational programs that prepare students for these jobs. Regional community colleges generally serve a more diverse set of individuals when compared to the SCC labor force as a whole and the incumbent Top Jobs workforce. However, earnings outcomes are uneven, and various groups are underrepresented in these programs, including women in construction, manufacturing, public safety, and transportation programs, and men in health programs.

Read the full report to learn more!