The development of programs should always be informed by labor market information (LMI reports), industry input (advisory committees), and regional priorities (LARC Regional Plan).
Labor Market Information
A program should never be fully developed before you request, receive, and review the LMI report that is issued by the LA Center of Excellence to your college. The LMI report includes, but is not limited to, the following critical information necessary for the college to determine if, and how, the program should be developed:
- Target Occupations
- Occupational Demand
- Wages
- Educational Supply (community colleges and other postsecondary)
Industry Input
Additionally, the programs should be developed based on industry input that is received from an advisory committee. These committees inform colleges regarding the actual needs of the industry and the preparation required to ensure that students are hireable when pursuing employment in the program’s target occupations. These committees are also a requirement of the California Ed Code, and advisory minutes are a required attachment for any CTE program applications submitted to LARC and to the Chancellor's Office (see the "Advisory Committee Minutes" section).
Regional Priorities
Eight priority sectors that offer promising career opportunities for community college students were identified by LARC using an analysis of regional labor market needs. These priority sectors are data-informed to produce high-wage, high-growth occupations over the next four years. Colleges are encouraged to focus on developing programs within these priority sectors.
The priority sectors may be accessed in the LARC Regional Plan 2024-2027 and are as follows: Advanced Manufacturing; Advanced Transportation & Logistics; Business & Entrepreneurship/Global Trade; Energy, Construction, & Utilities; Health; Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)/Digital Media; Life Sciences & Biotechnology; and Retail, Hospitality & Tourism.
Other Reminders
Please always follow your local curriculum development and approval processes. We recommend working closely with your LA Workforce Council (LAWC) voting member when developing your program to ensure alignment with all requirements and regional priorities. The LAWC voting members are always available on the LARC Program Recommendation webpage.