This webinar introduced a new data tool that illustrates regional alignment between credentials conferred at community colleges and demand for middle-skill workers in a set of fields that are critical to economic growth and community resilience. Advanced Infrastructure, Energy, and Agriculture (AIREA) occupations are in fields including construction, HVAC, electrical, natural resources, and transportation. Many AIREA fields have a shortage of trained workers, and these jobs are critical to the transition to sustainable and efficient energy, transportation, and food production systems.
The AIREA Data Explorer allows college leaders, policymakers, and intermediaries to identify regions with strong demand for AIREA workers. It also shows the number of graduates with credentials in AIREA fields at each of the nation’s community colleges. Webinar panelists shared trends in AIREA job growth, regional variation, and ways that community colleges are preparing workers for AIREA fields.