Benton-Franklin workforce area receives nearly $3 million to aid workers - August 8, 2007
07-053
Media contacts:
Bill Tarrow,
360-902-9376
Michelle Mann,
509-734-5984
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews/
OLYMPIA– The Employment Security Department has released $2.9 million to the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008. The region’s allocations decreased by nearly $113,000 compared to last year.
The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Benton and Franklin counties. The services are delivered through WorkSource Columbia Basin.
Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that the funding reduction is due to the counties’ low unemployment rate, but that many employers are still having difficulty finding the trained workers they need.
“This investment will help hundreds of workers upgrade their skills so they can qualify for better jobs and make a better future for themselves and their families,” said Lee.
The money must be used to assist laid-off workers, adults and young people who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school. Types of services include counseling, skill assessments, job-search assistance, training and job referrals.
Last year’s workforce allocation was used to help more than 6,400 residents in the region find jobs. In addition, special training initiatives were launched to produce skills credentials for workers in health care, food processing, manufacturing, hospitality, auto body and human-service occupations, and to upgrade the skills of workers at local businesses.
“These funds are critical to building our region’s supply of skilled workers for key occupations,” said Michelle Mann, director of the council. “In the coming year, we look forward to continuing our strategic investments with these resources in training initiatives that will help local businesses grow.”
The Employment Security Department is the fiscal agent for federal Workforce Investment Act funds. The department ensures that the local workforce development councils comply with federal laws and regulations on how the money is to be used.
Some $52 million in federal Workforce Investment Act funds will be distributed this year to the state’s 12 workforce development council areas based on population, unemployment and the number of disadvantaged people. Due to Washington’s strong economy, this year’s overall federal allocation has been cut by more than $ 5 million statewide.
Individuals who need help finding a job or obtaining job training should visit their nearest WorkSource office. Offices are listed online at www.go2worksource.com and in government pages of the phone book. Some programs and services are available only to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.
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