Eastern Washington workforce area receives $2.2 million to aid workers - July 26, 2007

07-047

Media contacts: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376
Tom O’Brien, 509-685-6129

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

OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department has released $2.2 million to the Eastern Washington Partnership Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008.       

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that many businesses in the Eastern Washington workforce area are looking to expand, but are having difficulty finding the trained workers they need. 

“This investment will help hundreds of workers in the region upgrade their skills so they can qualify for better jobs and make a better future for themselves and their families,” said Lee. 

The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla and Whitman counties.  The services are delivered through local WorkSource employment offices. 

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 provide job-readiness and occupational training to some 660 people and to help more than 4,100 residents in the region find jobs.  Further, special training initiatives were launched to produce 20 nurses and 31 licensed truck drivers, and to upgrade the skills of workers at local hospitals, boat manufacturers and other local businesses.  

“These funds represent a lifeline for displaced workers and individuals who lack the skills to find a good job,” said Tom O’Brien, director of the council. “It’s also important to local employers that look to WorkSource to provide qualified workers to fill their job openings.” 

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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