industries
Why These Industries?
These industries aren’t just growing—they’re part of a bold, strategic plan to add 10,000+ high-quality jobs to the Central Coast in the next decade. Each industry reflects the values that define this region, including innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
Space + Aerospace
Job Spotlight
Aircraft Maintenance Tech
Skills Highlights
Systems installation, composite assembly, inspections
Why it Matters
Aerospace supports 32,000+ jobs and $8B in regional impact
Projected Growth
9%
regionally by 2027
AgTech
Job Spotlight
Agricultural drone pilot
Skills Highlights
UAV operation, data analysis
Why it Matters
Monterey “AgTech capital”—77,800 jobs, $4.6B industry
Projected Growth
10%
regionally by 2027
CleanTech & Energy
Job Spotlight
Solar installer or power plant tech
Skills Highlights
Electrical wiring, solar PV systems
Why it Matters
9,300 regional jobs; $2.3 B GRP; strong growth and multipliers
Projected Growth
61%
statewide by 2027
Precision Manufacturing
Job Spotlight
CNC machinist
Skills Highlights
CAD, multi-axis machining
Why it Matters
Tied to aerospace and ag‑tech; fuels regional innovation
Projected Growth
9%
regionally by 2027
Building Design + Construction
Job Spotlight
Electrician (green building)
Skills Highlights
Eco‑renovation, wiring, blueprints
Why it Matters
39% of clean energy jobs are in construction trades
Projected Growth
16%
statewide by 2027
Technology + Innovation
Job Spotlight
Technical Support Specialist
Skills Highlights
Troubleshooting hardware/software, customer service
Why it Matters
Tech drives efficiency across all sectors; supports $8B impact
Projected Growth
6%
nationwide by 2027
Health + Life Sciences
Job Spotlight
Lab research associate
Skills Highlights
Lab techniques, biosciences
Why it Matters
Supports ag research (e.g. tissue culture tech) and regional hospitals
Projected Growth
11%
statewide by 2027