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About ROP
Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCPs): career and workforce preparation for high school students and adults, preparation for advanced training, and the upgrading of existing skills.

California's 73 Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCPs) have been a strong and integral part of California's educational system for over 30 years. ROCPs provide high school students 16 years of age and older, and also adult students, with valuable career and technical education so students can (1) enter the workforce with skills and competencies to be successful; (2) pursue advanced training in higher educational institutions; or (3) upgrade existing skills and knowledge.

Approximately 460,000 students enroll in Regional Occupational Centers and Programs each year. Students receive training at a variety of venues from regular classrooms to actual business and industry facilities, such as automotive dealerships and hospitals. In most ROCPs, courses are offered during the regular school day throughout the school year, in the late afternoon and evening, and sometimes during the summer months. ROCPs provide high quality programs which contribute to students' academic and career achievement which, in turn, supports the economic development of the state. Students gain a unique edge in the workforce by successfully completing ROCP training. Student enrollment in ROCPs varies from small numbers in rural northern California to thousands in large urban areas.

In addition to the specific skills and comprehensive career education offered, ROCPs also offer employment survival skills in many aspects of a particular industry sector, placement assistance, counseling and guidance services and other critical support services for students. ROCPs fall under one of three distinct organizational structures: (1) school districts participating in a county office of education operated ROCP; (2) school districts participating under a joint powers agreement; or (3) a single school district. ROCPs in California collaborate with public agencies and associations to create and implement important instructional classes and programs. Examples of these programs include: Certified Nurse Assistant/Home Health Care Aide (CNA/HCA), Automotive Youth Education Systems Programs (AYES), ROCP CalWORKs, and SkillsUSA. In addition, ROCPs work in partnership with local business and industry to design and provide programs for industry-based, transferable and portable certification programs based upon job market demand.

Many ROCPs work in partnership with a variety of California labor organizations to provide apprenticeship related and supplemental instruction to the more than 25,000 apprentices in California's trade careers.

ROCPs are a major resource in California's workforce development system to address the shortage of a highly qualified, skilled, and diverse workers. Preparing California's youth and adults to be successful in the workforce adds to the economic well-being of California.

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