Above: Transitions For Women New Leaf Bakery & Café was recently certified as a WorkSource Connection site.
New Connection Sites Bring More Resources to Spokane County
Four organizations were recently certified as WorkSource Connection Sites by the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, further expanding access to services throughout the county. With the addition of the new connection sites, WorkSource now has a presence in 20 locations.
The Spokane County Library District is now certified to provide WorkSource services at 10 county libraries. Librarians offer one-on-one job seeker assistance, and the facilities are available evenings and weekends to offer greater scheduling flexibility.
As a new connection site, the YWCA Women's Opportunity Center will bring expertise in serving women, especially survivors of domestic violence. The YWCA is also the only site to offer co-located childcare for women accessing services and can provide women with professional attire.
The Salvation Army serves more than 1,500 people in the community every month and brings additional resources such as transitional housing for families, food and shelter.
Transitions for Women will have two connection sites: one at the Women's Hearth and one at New Leaf Bakery and Café, a job training program. Transitions provides services to women experiencing extremely challenging barriers to employment.
Services are still available at six other locations including, WorkSource Spokane, the Next Generation Zone, Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest and the Spokane Public Library's downtown branch. |
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Veteran Finds Training, Experience through Air Washington
Ken Yergen was living in Florida when he decided he wanted to change careers and become involved in the maintenance side of aerospace. A retired U.S. Navy veteran, he had been an electrician and avionics instructor but knew he needed a different set of skills in order to reach his new goal.
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Ken Yergen, left, on his first day at Absolute Aviation |
Ken and his family moved to Liberty Lake so he could attend Spokane Community College. He soon learned about Air Washington and the resources the program could provide. He has received assistance
in purchasing tools needed for his classes and for testing fees that could normally cost $1,500. "It really takes the pressure off me right now," said Ken.
WorkSource Staff promoted Ken to employers, including Absolute Aviation. Even though he will not be finished with courses until June, the company offered him a part-time position.
Staff also discovered Ken was eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit because of his military service as well as On-the-Job Training funds through a grant to the SAWDC. In total, Absolute Aviation could access more than $10,000 in incentives for hiring Ken, who will start full-time employment when he graduates.
"Being able to go to school and work in the field at the same time is the best of both worlds," said Ken. |
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BNSF Railway Building Spokane Workforce
BNSF Railway sent several team members to Spokane this month to meet with leadership, staff, and students of the Community Colleges of Spokane. The SAWDC's Chief Operating Officer Dawn Karber was also invited to learn more about the company's employment and training needs.
"BNSF is proactive in recruiting talented employees, and they are well aware that a large percentage of their workforce will be retiring in the near future," said Dawn. "Among their needs is a quality, skilled workforce. They recognize that students graduating from the CCS are likely to be great potential employees, and their intent in coming to Spokane is to begin the conversation long before they find themselves in a labor shortage situation."
The meeting highlights the benefits of the new partnership between the CCS Workforce, Continuing Education & Corporate Training Division and the SAWDC. By joining forces, we can work together to meet the current and future needs of businesses.
Our combined team is available to work with businesses to develop customized trainings, create a talent pipeline plan, and provide access to educational and industry experts. If you would like more information on opportunities, please contact the SAWDC by email or at 509.533.8480. |
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Upcoming Events
Workers with Disability and Diversity Job Fair
October 25
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Spokane Community College Lair
1810 N. Greene
Spokane WA 99217
Air Washington Enrollment Rally
October 30
8:30 - 10:15 a.m.
WorkSource Spokane
130 S. Arthur
Spokane, WA 99202
Clean Tech Workforce Summit
October 30
3 - 6 p.m.
Lincoln Center
1316 N. Lincoln
Spokane, WA 99201
Veterans Resource Fair & Community Event
November 1
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Centerplace Event Center
2426 N. Discovery Place
Spokane Valley, WA 99216
SAWDC Executive Committee
November 6
3 - 5 p.m.
Sterling Bank
111 N Wall Street
Spokane, WA 99201
15th Annual Economic Forecast
Presented by GSI and Spokane Journal of Business
November 7
7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Spokane Convention Center
334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201
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Quick Links
Next Generation Zone
Inspire Washington _______________
 
_______________ Reminder: We've Moved!
Our new address on the Spokane Community College Campus: 2000 N. Greene Street MS 2158 Spokane, WA 99217
Our new phone number: 509-533-8480 |
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