Health Care Industry Leading Job Growth in Spokane County
The health care industry has created the most jobs in our region in the last three years. Spokane is a regional hub for the delivery of health care services throughout Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana. Comprised of more than 1,100 firms, this diverse cluster represents hospitals, research, labs, education and clinic.
In addition, the new medical school under construction in the University District is attracting even more companies in health research, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Future job increases are also expected as the population gets older and the demand for services increases.
Health care jobs are projected to grow from 37,145 in 2011 to a projected 41,066 jobs in 2016, or more than 10 percent. In addition, jobs in this industry pay more than the regional median with the average worker earning $54,229 per year in 2012.
Learn more about all the growing industries in Spokane County.
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SAWDC Attends/Presents at National Association of Workforce Boards Forum in Washington D.C.
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Dr. Christine Johnson and Mark Mattke before their presentation.
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Several board members and staff of the SAWDC traveled to Washington D.C. this month for the National Association of Workforce Boards' Annual Forum. The forum brings together stakeholders, businesses and political leaders in discussions to find solutions to workforce challenges.
SAWDC CEO Mark Mattke and Dr. Christine Johnson, Chancellor of the Community Colleges of Spokane, presented a workshop at the forum about the new partnership between CCS and the SAWDC. "We had a great conversation with participants about how workforce boards and community colleges can work together to innovate and better serve our shared customers," said Mattke.
The forum was also attended by board members Diane Quincy, Avista; Lisa White, Spokane Public Schools; Diana Wilhite, Safeguard Business Systems; Lowell Sather, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees/Regional Labor Council; and SAWDC staff members Dawn Karber and Annie Gannon.
Near the end of the forum, members of the delegation also had the chance to visit Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to discuss workforce issues.
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Job Seeker Gains Edge with On-the-Job Training Funds
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PJ Carlson-Hafner with Craig Dias, VP/General Manager at Haskins Steel
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Pamela "PJ" Carlson-Hafner was the CFO and human resources
manager at Hanson Worldwide until the plant closure in June 2012. Her husband had been recently laid off from his position as well. Only two months later, Haskins Steel had anopening for a Director of Administration, and they asked WorkSource to help recruit and fill the position.
Staff thought PJ's experience made her a good fit for the type of work, and after an initial interview at the WorkSource offices, they forwarded her resume to Haskins. After two rounds of interviews with staff and board members, Haskins felt they had the right fit.
But PJ's lack of experience in their specific industry gave them reservations about extending an offer. Through Workforce Investment Act funds, the company was offered On-the-Job Training funds for 320 hours and assisted in developing a training plan that would bring PJ up to speed. In early September, she was offered and accepted the position as Director of Administration.
Learn how your business can hiring using On-the-Job Training funds by contacting Jack Kaplan at jkaplan@esd.wa.gov or 509-532-3061. |
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SAWDC to Award $2.9 Million in Community Investment
The SAWDC recently released a request for proposal totaling $2.9 million in funding to manage WorkSource Spokane, the Next Generation Zone and additional services and programs under the Workforce Investment Act. A mandatory bidders' conference was held last week to provide more information to interested agencies. The proposals are due April 23, and an announcement will be made in early May.
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Upcoming Events
SAWDC Strategic Plan Public Comment Deadline
March 30
Send comments to admin@wdcspokane.com
SAWDC Executive Committee
April 2
3 - 5 p.m.
Sterling Bank
111 N Wall Street
Spokane, WA 99201
SAWDC Youth Council
April 4
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Next Generation Zone
901 E Second Ave. #100
Spokane, WA 99202
SAWDC Board Meeting
April 10
7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Lincoln Center
1316 N Lincoln St
Spokane, WA 99201
RFP for System Services Deadline
April 23
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Quick Links
Next Generation Zone
Inspire Washington
CCS Center for Workforce & Continuing education State Employment & Economic Information _______________
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