Spokane workforce area receives $4 million to aid workers and businesses - August 9, 2007
07-056
Media contacts:
Bill Tarrow,
360-902-9376
Mark Mattke,
509-625-6210
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews/
OLYMPIA– The Employment Security Department has released approximately $4 million to the Spokane-Area Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008. The region’s allocations decreased by $515,000 compared to last year.
The workforce council directs the design and delivery of employment and training services for workers and businesses in Spokane County. The services are delivered through WorkSource Spokane.
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 struggling to find qualified workers in industries such as healthcare and construction.
“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 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. The goal is to meet employer demand for qualified workers by preparing individuals with the right skills to succeed in the workplace.
Last year’s workforce allocation was used to provide job-readiness and occupational training to some 2,300 people and to help more than 8,000 residents in the region find jobs. Further, special training initiatives were launched to provide performance management tools and techniques to local companies, and to upgrade the skills of workers at local manufacturing and healthcare businesses.
“These funds are a critical asset to our community and are used by the council to craft solutions to the challenges Spokane-area businesses face,” said Mark Mattke, workforce strategy and planning director for the council. “We work closely with a broad range of public and private partners to ensure that our work force has the right skills to meet their needs, now and in the future.”
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
