The local labor force represents one of the most crucial competitive factors for economic vitality. Businesses depend on having a sufficient quantity of workers suited to the functions that their operations require. From a planning perspective, the skills, education levels, and other qualifications needed for local jobs should be matched to the characteristics of the local labor force. In addition, local institutions should be ready to prepare the labor force to work in the growing industries within the region.
The highest proportion of the county labor force works in retail, health care, and manufacturing industries. In addition, Ventura County has more resident workers in services industries, such as information, finance and insurance, real estate, and professional/scientific services, than it has jobs in these sectors. This would indicate that many residents commute out of Ventura County for those types of jobs. Compared to the cities, the unincorporated county area had a higher labor force representation in professional services, and saw the greatest growth in agriculture, professional services, educational services, and hospitality between 2006 and 2014.
Labor force development will remain a challenge and priority and will need to evolve alongside changes to the local and regional economies.