Pierce County workforce area receives $6.2 million to aid workers and businesses - August 8, 2007
07-055
Media contacts:
Bill Tarrow,
360-902-9376
Linda Nguyen,
253-591-5810
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews/
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department has released $6.2 million to the Tacoma-Pierce County Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008. The region’s allocations decreased by $870,000 compared to last year.
The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for workers and businesses in Pierce County. The services are delivered through WorkSource career centers.
Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that the funding reduction is due to the county’s 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 career 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 1,925 people and to help more than 1,540 residents in the region find high-demand jobs. In addition, customized recruitment, retention and consultative services were provided to 1,500 local businesses. WorkSource Pierce works closely with economic development organizations and is the area’s primary referral source to assist with business retention and new business-development needs.
"In an environment of reduced federal funding, we are more committed than ever to aggressively pursue additional resources to leverage with these investments,” said Linda Nguyen, executive director for the council. “This will ensure that WorkSource Pierce continues to provide the highest level of workforce services to both job seekers and businesses so that the economic health of our region remains viable.”
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
Information on occupations, wages and other economic trends
