Education Builds Talent in the Green Empowerment Zone

The Green Empowerment Zone utilizes targeted education programs to equip clean energy companies with a skilled and ready workforce. Contra Costa County aligns high school, technical, and community college resources to support re-skilling, workforce pipelines, and sustainable employment in advanced energy and manufacturing sectors.

High School Programs Prepare Students for Competitive Careers

Teacher with high school students in design and technology class

Local initiatives connect students directly to clean energy and manufacturing pathways. Contra Costa County Regional Occupational Program (ROP), in collaboration with Earn & Learn, organizes hands-on experiences that link education to industry needs.

Manufacturing Day engaged over 400 students with tours at nine East Bay companies and three community colleges. Students learned skills in demand by employers such as Bishop Wisecarver and Ramar Foods, exploring careers that offer competitive wages and on-the-job training without requiring a four-year degree.

Contra Costa Trades Day provided 130 students with access to careers in construction, engineering, and skilled trades. Partner organizations and companies, including Overaa Construction and Tesla, showcased hands-on learning opportunities and career pathways that support well-paying, long-term employment.

Contra Costa County Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) currently offer 368 courses serving 8,565 students, with 398 work-based learning activities, and 7,900 total events across 30 schools. These programs ensure that students enter the workforce with practical skills aligned with the needs of clean energy and advanced manufacturing employers.

Community Colleges Provide Technical Expertise

Contra Costa County hosts three community colleges delivering targeted training to meet employer needs in the Green Empowerment Zone:

Community Colleges

CCC - San Pablo

DVC - Pleasant Hill

Los Medanos - Pittsburg

These institutions provide associate degrees, certifications, and technical programs, which support re-skilling for oil and gas workers transitioning to clean energy and technical careers. Companies benefit from a pipeline of graduates with hands-on training, certifications, and work-ready experience.

Build a Skilled Workforce Through Local Education

The Green Empowerment Zone coordinates education initiatives with employers to align curriculum, work-based learning, and industry needs, ensuring an effortless integration of education and industry. Programs focus on practical experience, certifications, and skill development that directly support clean energy operations and growth.

Engage the Green Empowerment Zone to connect with ROP programs, community colleges, and workforce initiatives. Align your hiring strategy with local talent pipelines to secure a skilled workforce that meets both immediate and long-term operational needs.