The WDC helps prepare the workforce in Spokane County to support economic growth and ensure a strong talent pipeline.

June 2014

WDC/WorkSource Spokane to Support FAFB

Starting next month, two WorkSource staff will be located on base at Fairchild Air Force Base.

A career specialist as well as a disabled veterans specialist will bring one-on-one services to the base to provide military families assistance with career transitions, creating and submitting résumés and applications, labor market information, connections with local employers, short-term skills training to supplement military experience, individual career assessments, information about unemployment insurance and referrals to specific jobs.

As force shaping begins to impact FAFB, this new service becomes an invaluable asset. "A partnership between WorkSource and Fairchild can ensure lower unemployment insurance costs to the Air Force by rapidly connecting service members to employment information and career opportunities," said Christopher Marble, the 92nd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center director.

"Further, as WorkSource is state and federally-funded, it is extremely important that our services not duplicate those available through other means. It is our intent to work collaboratively with the Transition Assistance Program and related civilian contractors to leverage and complement existing resources, allowing for enhanced service levels available on base."

The WDC is pleased to be able to bring these resources to FAFB and to help military members and their families find work locally. "We are especially interested in keeping talented job seekers in our region and connecting them with employers in need of their skills," said Dawn Karber, WDC Chief Operating Officer.

The goal is for WorkSource staff to be available on base four days per week from July 2014 through June 2015. For further questions related to Fairchild's new WorkSource office, contact the A&FRC at 509-247-2246.

Bipartisan Agreement Reached on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The U.S. House and Senate announced in late May a bipartisan deal to improve the nation's workforce development system. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act passed the Senate today by a vote of 95-3 and now will head to the House.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 has been up for reauthorization since 2003. The new congressional agreement is a compromise between the House's Skills Act, which passed last year, and the Senate's proposed WIA update.

The new act eliminates 15 existing programs and applies a single set of outcome metrics to all federal workforce programs. It creates smaller and more strategic state and local workforce boards and empowers local boards to tailor services to their region's employment and workforce needs.

Trina Clayeux Hired at Next Generation Zone

Trina Clayeux has recently been hired as the Center for

Future Pathways director at the Next Generation Zone. She brings 10 years of experience in workforce development and with community colleges.

She was previously the assistant dean for Spokane Falls Community College, the director of workforce development and tech prep for the Community Colleges of Spokane and the director of workforce development charged with management of a National Emergency Grant at a workforce development board in eastern New Mexico.

She is completing a doctoral degree from Gonzaga University in July and holds a master's of public administration from Portland State University.

Medical Lake High School Utilizes NCRC to Prepare Students

Every student that participates in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Medical Lake High School has the opportunity to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

The NCRC assesses three essential workplace skills - reading for information, applied math and critical thinking. CTE Director Ann Everett said she was looking for a certification that would work for all students. "The part I really like is that it's about literacy and helping kids be career and college ready, and the kids really see value in it."

She said students see it as relevant because employers ask for it, and since it's national, they can compare their scores across the United States. "They can see what their skill level is and what they can improve upon. It's pretty empowering for kids to take the test," she said. In partnership with the WDC, the Medical Lake High School CTE program tests approximately 40-60 students every year or about half the graduating class.

There is currently a statewide initiative to grow use of the NCRC in schools, businesses and for job seekers. Washington was recently recognized as a Work Ready State certified by the ACT company. The initiative has support from Governor Inslee and key agencies that include the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Employment Security Department, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Department of Commerce.

Learn more about the project.

In This Issue

WDC Awarded Grant to Assist Long-Term Unemployed

WDC Sponsors Pathways to Apprenticeship

Medical Lake HS Utilizes NCRC

Upcoming Events

Meet the Employers

July 16

3 - 5 p.m.

WorkSource Spokane

103 S Arthur

Spokane, WA 99202

Washington Business Week - Judges needed

July 18

8:30 a.m. - noon

Gonzaga University

502 E Boone Ave

Spokane, WA 99258

SAWDC Youth Council

August 7

3:30 - 5 p.m.

Next Generation Zone

901 E Second #100

Spokane, WA 99202

SAWDC Board Meeting

August 13

7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Lincoln Center

1316 N Lincoln

Spokane, WA 99201

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Quick Links

WorkSource Spokane

Next Generation Zone

Access2Experience

CCS Center for Workforce & Continuing education

State Employment & Economic Information

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The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.