Pierce County workforce area receives $7 million to aid workers - August 10, 2006

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Media contact: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

OLYMPIA - The Employment Security Department has released $7 million to the Pierce County 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 Pierce County.  

“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 thousands of workers move forward on a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

The money will be used to assist at-risk students, low-income adults who need help getting a job and workers who lose their jobs due to business downsizing or closure, foreign competition or technological change.  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.  A goal of the adult programs is to meet employer demand for skilled, qualified workers.

“These funds will be used to provide skill training and jobs to youth, adults and dislocated workers seeking employment,” said Colin Conant, director of the workforce development council.  “Business will benefit by having these trained workers available to fill their human resource needs.”

The Employment Security Department is the fiscal agent for federal Workforce Investment Act funds and ensures that the 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 blue pages of the phone book.   Some programs and services are available only to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.

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