Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
LA Area Chamber of Commerce unveils new initiative to align education with future jobs
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Maria S. Salinas speaks during her presentation via conference call for the International Association of University Presidents 60th Anniversary & Semi-Annual Meeting at Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Jhoo Dong-chan
By Jhoo Dong-chan
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the largest business lobby in Southern California, introduced a new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between employers and educational institutions to better prepare the regional workforce for future jobs.
Representing a region of more than 14 million residents and an economy ranked as the 14th largest in the world, the chamber serves as a key connector across industries such as healthcare, entertainment, logistics, aerospace, energy and technology.
“Our mission is simple but powerful — to advance economic prosperity and quality of life for Angelenos,” Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Maria S. Salinas said via conference call during the International Association of University Presidents 60th Anniversary & Semi-Annual Meeting at Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, Tuesday.
“Our vision is a thriving region for all.”
The chamber recently started a workforce program called “Paradigm Shift,” a strategic effort to reshape how employers and educational institutions collaborate. The initiative seeks to close the long-standing gap between what students learn in school and the skills employers need in a rapidly changing economy.
“For decades, education and industry have existed on parallel tracks,” she noted.
“Universities prepared students, and employers hired them — often with a mismatch between what was taught and what was needed. That model no longer works.”
Under the new framework, employers — particularly in the healthcare sector — are leading discussions on workforce needs. Higher education institutions, including community colleges and universities, are responding by designing new curricula and training programs aligned with those needs.
She added that the chamber partnered with McKinsey & Company to research the Los Angeles job landscape and identify high-growth industries. Based on the findings, six job categories in healthcare and related fields were prioritized for the program’s pilot phase.
“This is a model of shared responsibility for talent development,” Salinas said.
“By deepening employer engagement with educational institutions, we are co-creating solutions for workforce readiness.”
The model also aims to provide students with clear pathways to quality jobs, particularly in communities historically underrepresented in high-wage industries. Employers are expected to benefit from a stronger and more sustainable talent pipeline, while educational institutions will enhance their relevance to industry needs.
She stressed the initiative reflects a broader vision for inclusive economic growth through innovation, collaboration and education.
“The theme of this work — advancing innovation through research and sustainable funding — is not abstract for us in Los Angeles,” she said.
“By connecting business, education and community, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future.”