There’s no arguing the facts: Manufacturing, in California, is a huge element of the state’s economy. According to the state’s Employment Development Department, there are more than 360,000 workers in the industry, in Southern California alone.

California Governor Jerry Brown and GO-Biz have made manufacturing a priority. Brown signed two bills designed to help manufacturing, eliminating the sales tax on the purchase of manufacturing equipment among other incentives.

Advancing manufacturing is a signature initiative of the California Economic Summit, a statewide meeting to boost job creation and sponsored by California Forward and the California Stewardship Network.

The Summit Action Team on manufacturing will work with industry, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers; universities and community colleges; economic development and training organizations; and state government to develop strategies to advance manufacturing and exports.

California’s community colleges are stepping up to the plate—educating folks about the manufacturing industry while preparing them for jobs available now.

Cerritos College recently opened its doors to the community on National Manufacturing Day. Professors at the college say their welding program is the largest in the state.

California Forward’s Cheryl Getuiza has the story.

Originally published on CAeconomy.