Northwest workforce area receives $2.7 million to aid workers - August 10, 2007

07-057

Media contacts: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376
Gay Dubigk, 360-676-3206

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

OLYMPIA- The Employment Security Department has released $2.7 million to the Northwest Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008.  The region’s allocations decreased by $537,000 compared to last year.

The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for businesses and residents in Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties.  The services are delivered through WorkSource career centers.

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that the funding reduction is due to the region’s strong economy and lower unemployment rates, but that many employers are 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, low-income adults and students 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.  In addition, these funds can be used to assist businesses with recruitment and retention needs. 

Last year’s workforce allocation was used to provide job-readiness and occupational training to some 700 people. Ninety-two percent of the adults in occupational training programs are in career paths addressing critical worker shortages in health care and advanced manufacturing, including marine and wood products.  In addition, more than 11,000 customers used one of the region’s three WorkSource career centers during the last year.

The Northwest Workforce Development Council is the state’s overall top performer in workforce training for the last three quarters. 

“The council strategically applies these funds to address the talent needs of key industries in our region,” said Gay Dubigk, executive director for the council.  “Business, labor, economic development and educators all work closely with the council to identify, design, fund and deliver occupational training and careers services that will help the region’s businesses grow and prosper.”

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.

Web Links
Resources for job seekers and businesses, including a searchable database of job listings

Regional employment information, activity/event calendars and resources

Information on occupations, wages and other economic trends