Grants will give job seekers access to better technology and job services - Dec. 14, 2006
06-102
Media contact:
Bill Tarrow,
360-902-9376
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audio/
OLYMPIA – Job seekers and employers across the state will soon have new computers, software and other tools available to them at WorkSource offices across Washington, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the Employment Security Department.
“These grants are part of our effort to support Washington’s economic competitiveness,” said Karen Lee, commissioner of the Employment Security Department. “One of our top priorities is to get unemployed workers into jobs as quickly as possible. Replacing clunky, outdated equipment with modern technology can speed up the job-search process, and that’s good for both business and workers.”
The department will distribute $100,000 grants to each of the state’s 12 workforce development councils. The money was provided to the state through the federal Workforce Investment Act and must be used to enhance local service capacity, technology and/or facilities at local WorkSource offices.
“These funds are an important asset to the communities we serve,” said Steve Frazier, director of the Olympic Consortium Workforce Development Council, based in Bremerton. “Much like our schools, the resources will be used to renovate facilities, upgrade technology and implement strategies to help job seekers and businesses succeed.”
WorkSource is a partnership of business, government agencies, colleges and non-profit organizations that offer employment and training services for job seekers and business.
Last year, WorkSource assisted nearly 24,000 businesses and placed more the 330,000 people in jobs.
For additional information on WorkSource or to find a local office, visit www.go2worksource.com.
2006 WorkSource system enhancement grants - $100,000 each
Workforce Development Councils | County/ies |
| Olympic Consortium | Clallam, Kitsap, Jefferson |
| Pacific Mountain | Grays Harbor, Mason, Lewis, Thurston & Pacific |
| Northwest | Whatcom, Skagit, Island, & San Juan |
| Snohomish County | Snohomish |
| Seattle-King County | King |
| Pierce County | Pierce |
| Southwest Washington | Clark, Cowlitz & Wahkiakum |
| North Central | Chelan, Okanogan, Grant, Douglas & Adams |
| South Central | Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat & Skamania |
| Eastern Washington | Ferry, Pend Oreille, Garfield, Stevens, Columbia, Lincoln, Whitman, Asotin & Walla Walla |
| Benton-Franklin | Benton & Franklin |
| Spokane | Spokane |
| Total | |
Web Links
Resources for job seekers and businesses, including a searchable database of job listings
Information on occupations, wages and other economic trends
