Southwest Washington gets increased funding for worker training - July 30, 2007
07-049
Media contacts:
Bill Tarrow,
360-902-9376
Lisa Nisenfeld,
360-567-1073
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews/
OLYMPIA –The Employment Security Department has released $4.9 million to the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council to help workers upgrade their skills and find new jobs through June 2008. The region’s allocations increased by nearly $260,000 compared to the previous year.
The workforce council oversees the design and delivery of employment and training services for residents in Clark, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The services are delivered through local WorkSource employment offices.
Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said that the Southwest Washington workforce area’s funding increase is due to an overall increase in population and the fact that some communities in the region 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 768 people and to place more than 1,020 local residents into jobs. Also, special initiatives were launched to train more than 220 people in health-care occupations, including 78 registered nurses.
“These funds are critical to building our region’s supply of skilled workers for key occupations,” said Lisa Nisenfeld, director of the council. “In the coming year, we look forward to strategically investing these resources in training initiatives that will help local businesses grow.”
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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