Worksystems

08/27/2026

Who's speaking at our upcoming Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative event on Wednesday, October 7?

Meet the panelists who will be addressing talent gaps, innovative ways to address them, and barriers that remain in our region:

Rachel Russo, APTD, is the Organizational Development Manager at Benchmade Knife Company, where she leads talent development, leadership programs, organizational effectiveness, and workforce initiatives. Passionate about building strong workplace cultures and developing people, Rachel partners with leaders across manufacturing to create innovative solutions that strengthen the workforce of today while preparing for the workforce of tomorrow.

Ms. Riikka Salonen, MA, is a healthcare workforce development leader with nearly three decades of experience advancing talent acquisition, career development, and organizational transformation. As a managing director of Health and Culture Solutions at BCT Partners, Ms. Salonen leads national healthcare workforce and learning initiatives, including HHS Office of Minority Health’s accredited Think Cultural Health Program, which has enrolled more than 1.3 million learners of culturally responsive care.

Tina Pham of Pham Construction Group (PCG) has over a decade of dedicated experience in the construction industry. She has built a career centered on equity, sustainability, and community empowerment. Beyond physical structures, Tina is passionate about building professional pathways. PCG has successfully implemented workforce and contractor development programs throughout Portland.

Get your tickets to Meeting Workforce Needs before September 11 and get $10 off using the code EarlyBird. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-workforce-needs-tickets-1997060467618?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Clackamas Workforce Partnership Workforce Southwest Washington

08/27/2026

Yesterday, we joined community, industry, and elected leaders as Lam Research broke ground on its new lab in Tualatin.

This investment is significant not only for the semiconductor industry, but for the region's economy and workforce.

According to Lam, the expansion is expected to create approximately 900 construction jobs over three years and generate $500 million in economic output. Once complete, it is projected to create more than 400 new Lam jobs and increase the company's annual economic contribution in Oregon to more than $1.8 billion. https://newsroom.lamresearch.com/2026-08-26-Lam-Research-Breaks-Ground-on-New-Oregon-Lab-to-Accelerate-AI-Era-Semiconductor-Research-Development-Locally,-Globally

08/25/2026

Career Boost helps SNAP recipients access the coaching, training, and support they need to move toward greater stability through living-wage careers. The program leverages local investments through the federal SNAP Training and Employment Program, also known as STEP, which generates a 50% federal match for eligible non-federal dollars invested in employment and training services for SNAP recipients.

That means state and local investments stretch further. Since 2016, Career Boost has brought more than $12 million in SNAP reinvestment funds to our local workforce system.

In Program Year 25 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), Career Boost generated more than $1.6 million. That money will be reinvested in the WorkSource Portland Metro system, Economic Opportunity Programs, youth services, pre-apprenticeship, clean energy, and early learning career coaching.

During that same time period, we served 1,175 SNAP recipients:
🤝1,080 received career coaching
📚167 received training scholarships
🔨94 participated in pre-apprenticeships

Thank you to the community partners who help make Career Boost possible! Central City Concern, Community Action Hillsboro, Oregon, Constructing Hope, IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Tradeswomen, Our Just Future, Portland Community College, POIC, Portland YouthBuilders, SE Works, Inc., Trash for Peace, and Urban League of Portland.

08/21/2026

One week from tomorrow: Get the layoff transition support you need!

This free, virtual session will cover:
1. How to apply for Unemployment Insurance
2. Job search and training opportunities
3. Options for healthcare coverage through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace
4. Community resources and free services at WorkSource Portland Metro (WSPM)

Hosted by the WSPM Layoff Transition Assistance Team:
📅 Friday, August 28
⌚ 10am - 12pm
📍 Zoom
✅ Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPqU4Ekf92qT6XoNOM2xXhCvFVMMbXtgsLfr4H-m7NNTkuOA/viewform

The WorkSource Portland Metro (WSPM) Layoff Transition Assistance team is offering a FREE information session for workers affected by recent layoffs in the Portland Metro area. You will learn about: 🔹 Unemployment Insurance enrollment 🔹 Job search and training opportunities 🔹 Health coverag...

08/17/2026

Join the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (Clackamas Workforce Partnership. Workforce Southwest Washington, and Worksystems) for Meeting Workforce Needs, a regional lunch bringing together employers, policymakers, and workforce leaders to discuss practical solutions to today's talent challenges.

Hear directly from employers in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare as they share what's working, where gaps remain, and what it will take to build a stronger workforce. The discussion will also feature regional labor market insights and a response from policy and workforce leaders focused on turning ideas into action.

📅 Wednesday, October 7
🕦 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
📍 University Club of Portland
🎟️ $30 early discount, use code EarlyBird, $40 regular tickets

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meeting-workforce-needs-tickets-1997060467618?aff=oddtdtcreator

Whether you're an employer, policymaker, or community leader, this conversation will provide valuable insights into the future of our regional workforce.

08/06/2026

What's happening at WorkSource Portland Metro this month?

✅ Free workshops covering computer basics, resume writing, interview tips and more.

Check out the full list of August events at https://worksourceportlandmetro.org/events/ and find support designed to help you navigate the next steps in your career transition.

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08/04/2026

Workforce partnerships help meet growing demand in clean energy careers.

As the Portland region invests in energy-efficient upgrades and home retrofits, employers need more workers with specialized skills.

Meeting that demand takes more than training alone. It requires collaboration between employers, training providers, and workforce partners.

A new How Oregon Works interview in the Portland Business Journal explores how the HERO Academy is helping meet that need through a paid, 15-week training program that prepares pre-apprenticeship graduates for careers installing residential heat pump and water heating systems.

The conversation brings together Worksystems, Earth Advantage, Constructing Hope, and The Heat Pump Store to discuss how collaboration leads to stronger talent pipelines and expanded access to quality jobs.

Watch the full interview here:

Earth Advantage developed the HERO Academy, a paid, 15-week training program that prepares pre-apprenticeship graduates for high-demand jobs installing residential energy-efficient heat pump and water heating systems.

07/29/2026

Proud to partner with Preschool for All Multnomah County to build a workforce equipped to provide responsive and joyful early learning experiences for the families of Multnomah County's vibrant communities!

07/29/2026

Employment programs are foundational to housing stability, economic mobility, and community well‑being.

Stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of long‑term housing retention. Without access to employment services, there is no true pathway off public assistance and no sustainable exit from homelessness for people who need support.

Career Start helps Washington County, Oregon residents who are already receiving housing support increase their income, secure employment, and achieve long-term housing stability. Participants referred by Supportive Housing Service case managers receive individualized career coaching and employment connections delivered by our partners at IRCO Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization.

➡️ Learn more:

07/23/2026

Worksystems will invest an estimated $20.3 million in workforce programs and services during Program Year 2026 (PY26), supporting jobseekers, businesses, and communities across the Portland region, despite overall reductions in funding.

Community investments represent nearly 78% of our overall budget.

“Even in a period of declining resources, our commitment to the region remains strong,” says Miriam Halliday, CEO. “We will continue to advocate for resources, focus on responsible stewardship of public funds, and work alongside our strong network of partners to ensure people across our region have access to the opportunities and supports they need to thrive.”

Read more about the current workforce funding landscape, challenges, and opportunities ahead at https://worksystems.org/invests-in-workforce-services-despite-funding-challenges/.