The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. will host a new center for workforce training programs as part of a program funded by local community colleges, LAEDC executives and community college officials said last week.

The Center for a Competitive Workforce will be housed at the LAEDC’s downtown office. It is being launched in partnership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Southern California Leadership Council, and the Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.

Among other things, the new center will analyze the skill sets and talents that different industries require of employees, strengthen ties between local employers and community colleges, and increase internship and apprenticeship programs at local employers.

– Howard Fine