ARRA funds making a difference in SW Washington workforce efforts

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) wrapped up its Phase I efforts, with 696 youth earning more than $1.1 million. Nintey-three percent of the youth made gains in work readiness skills—a key goal of the program. Seventy-four percent of participants returned to their educational pursuits upon completion of the program. An additional 68 out-of-school youth, ages 18-24, will have the opportunity to continue with the program this fall, with a goal of permanent employment or enrollment in post-secondary education upon completion of their work experience. For a detailed program report, visit www.swwdc.org/summeryouth.

The adult and dislocated worker training initiatives are underway, with more than 100 people enrolled in new ARRA funded training programs at Clark College, Lower Columbia College, West Coast Training, and NECA/IBEW. Training in high demand occupations began this summer with additional enrollments occurring this fall and winter. More than 300 training slots are available through June 2010.

Engineering Talent Retention Symposia coming to the Portland Metro area

SWWDC, in conjunction with its counterparts in northern Oregon, is planning two Engineering Talent Symposia in the Vancouver/Portland Metro area to identify, engage and inform engineering professionals who are likely to become dislocated workers about other career opportunities within the region. The goal is to retain this talent within the regional labor shed.

This effort, funded by a WIRED grant from the US Department of Labor, will bring together subject matter experts, service providers, and educators to inform expo participants about education and training in emerging industries, such as biotech and alternative energy technologies. Participants will also receive information related to teaching in high demand subjects, job seeking and entrepreneurial pursuits.

“Nationally, we lag way behind our foreign competitors in terms of our supply of engineering talent,” said Shelley Parker, SWWDC project manager. “So since we have trained and experienced engineers in our own back yard, we want to be sure that we don't lose them during this downturn in our economy. Long-term, we know we will need these engineers in order for employers to locate, expand, and grow in our region.”

The Talent Symposia will be held November 12, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Portland/Washington Square and November 16, 2009 at the Vancouver Hilton in Vancouver. For more information, contact Shelley Parker at sparker@swwdc.org.

805 Broadway St., Suite 412
Vancouver, WA 98660
360.567.1070 phone
360.567.1054 fax

www.swwdc.org
email: info@swwdc.org