Region gets increased funding to aid workers - July 25, 2007

07-046

Media contacts: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376
Mike Kennedy, 360-570-4240

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

OLYMPIA –The Employment Security Department has released $4.6 million to the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008.  The region’s allocations increased by nearly $600,000 compared to last year.   

The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties.  The services are delivered through local WorkSource employment offices.  

Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that the Pacific Mountain workforce area is receiving a funding increase because some communities in the area haven’t experienced as much economic recovery as other parts of the state.

“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 money must be used to assist laid-off workers, adults and teens 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 1,500 people and to place more than 3,700 local residents in jobs.  Also, special training initiatives were launched to produce more registered nurses and licensed truck drivers and to upgrade the skills of workers at Ocean Spray Cranberry and the West Port Shipyards. 

“These funds come at a critical time and will help us expand the talent of our local labor force,” said Mike Kennedy, director of the council.  “This is important to the region’s business community that relies on WorkSource for skilled 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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