Special Initiatives

The CTD is involved in regional and state initiatives to improve the quality and competitiveness of our workforce.

Community College Economic & Workforce Development Programs (CCEWDP)

The CCEWDP coordinates economic and workforce development programs among California Community Colleges, marketing valuable programs to local and regional employers throughout the state. For more information on how the CCEWDP and California Community Colleges advance the state's economy, visit the website at: http://www.cccewd.net/index.cfm.

College of the Desert's Center for Training and Development is home to two of these statewide initiatives.

Advanced Transportation Technologies & Energy

As a means for keeping the Coachella Valley competitive in advanced transportation technologies and energy, the ATTE Initiative was established to transform the workforce in this rapidly developing, technology-driven industry, while improving the environment and stimulating the economy. The ATTE is part of a larger statewide initiative [The Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative (ATTEI)] established by the California Community College's Economic and Workforce Development Program.

Over the fifteen years since the ATTEI was created, it has provided an array of transportation technology and related technical education, assistance and outreach programs throughout California. To acknowledge the interrelated nature of energy use between the transportation sector and other sectors, in July 2006 the initiative was formally changed to include Energy training and services. The ATTEI is guided by a Statewide Initiative Director in the Chancellor's Office, and has ten Centers, strategically located throughout the Community College Regions in California. The Center for Training and Development at College of the Desert is home to one of these 10 regional centers.

Click here to read the ATTE Renewable Enery Training Article

Workplace Learning Resource Center (WpLRC) is part of a statewide network that provides assessments, and customized training for the employees of all types of businesses and companies. The WpLRC provides low-cost, yet completely customized training programs.

The purpose of the Workplace Learning Initiative is to provide business and industry with a variety of workplace learning services, including occupational-specific skills assessments, task analysis, basic skills, English as a Second Language, analytical and problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

As rapidly changing technology and the increased need for competitiveness in a global economy dominate in industry, the workforce must be continually upgraded with new skill sets and, most importantly, the ability to learn. Effective workplace learning programs are designed to meet the needs of the organization and the worker by successfully translating learning into improved job performance and increased potential for greater earnings. Through ten strategically placed Workplace Learning Resource Centers throughout California employers can find affordable on-site training to increase the knowledge and the potential of their workforce.