Olympic workforce area receives $2.4 million to aid workers - July 30, 2007

07-050

Media contacts: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376
Steve Frazier, 360-337-7185

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

OLYMPIA –The Employment Security Department has released $2.4 million to the Olympic Consortium Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008.  

The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties.  The services are delivered through local WorkSource employment offices.  

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that many businesses in the Olympic workforce area are looking to hire, but are struggling to find people with the right skills. 

“These funds will help hundreds of workers in the region upgrade their skills so they can qualify for good 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 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 referral to jobs.

Last year’s workforce allocation was used to provide job-readiness and occupational skill training to some 800 people. Of those who completed their training, 362 local residents were placed in jobs.  Also, special training initiatives were launched to produce more nurses and pharmacy technicians and to upgrade the skills of workers at Westport Shipyard.

“These funds are critical to help expand the skills of our local labor force,” said Steve Frazier, director of the council.  “This is important to the region’s employers who rely on WorkSource for qualified workers.”

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 a 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 center.  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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