Northwest workforce area receives $3.3 million to aid workers - August 17, 2006

06-076

Media contact: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/NWWash.mp3

OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department has released $3.3 million to the Northwest Workforce Development Council to provide employment and training assistance to youths and adults through June 2007.  

The council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.

“The best way to keep Washington competitive in the global economy is to ensure that our workers get the job assistance and training they need to succeed in the workplace,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.  “These funds will help hundreds of workers move forward on a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

A goal of the council is to meet employer demand for skilled, qualified workers.  The money will be used to prepare job seekers to meet the skills needed by employers.  Types of services include skills assessment, individual counseling, job-readiness training and occupational training.  Other services also may include job search, job referral and relocation assistance.  The council covers certain costs for training at community and technical colleges for qualified individuals. 

“These federal funds represent an important asset to our region’s economy,” said Gay Dubigk, executive director of the workforce development council.  “They assist the council in meeting the human resource needs of our communities’ businesses while investing in the skills and ongoing economic contribution of a trained workforce.”

The Employment Security Department is the fiscal agent for federal Workforce Investment Act funds and ensures that local workforce development councils comply with federal laws and regulations on how the money is to be used.  Some $58 million will be distributed this year to the state’s 12 workforce development council areas based on population, unemployment and the number of disadvantaged people.

Individuals who need help finding a job or obtaining job training should visit their nearest WorkSource center.  Offices are listed online at www.go2worksource.com and in the blue pages of the phone book. Some programs and services are available only to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.

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