Manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of our region’s most important industries and a key contributor to the economies of both Southwest Washington and neighboring Oregon.
To help manufacturers in both states meet their workforce needs, we partner with the workforce councils in nearby Oregon. Working together as the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC), we meet with businesses to learn about their needs and bring together resources in education, training and employment services to help manufacturers attract and hire new talent or improve the skills of their existing employees.
Resources for Manufacturers
Manufacturing Labor Market Report 2021 – This report is a state of the industry workforce in the areas served by WSW and its partners in the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC).
- Read some of the report highlights in our blog.
Manufacturing Workforce Plan 2019-2021 – Led by manufacturers and the needs they identified, we created a regional workforce development plan with partners at CWWC.
Manufacturing Video – Hear from some of Southwest Washington’s leading manufacturers.
Strengthening Manufacturing Through Regional Leadership
The Cascadia Manufacturing Network (CMN) is an industry-led, community-supported partnership advancing the future of manufacturing across Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area. Originally launched as the Columbia-Willamette Manufacturing Partnership under the Next Generation Sector Strategy model, CMN has evolved into a dynamic network guided by manufacturers and powered by public-private collaboration.
This evolution reflects direct input from regional industry leaders who called for real action, measurable results, and meaningful partnership. CMN is proudly led by those who know the work best: manufacturers themselves.
CMN’s mission is to build a resilient, connected, and innovative manufacturing sector through sustained collaboration and shared priorities.
Focus Areas
CMN organizes its work around four core Action Teams, each open to new contributors:
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Talent – Strengthening the workforce pipeline and connecting youth to career opportunities
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Image/Marketing – Elevating the region’s manufacturing brand and digital presence
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B2B Connection – Expanding peer-to-peer support and business collaboration
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Advocacy (currently on pause) – Shaping policies that support industry growth
Each team is led by regional manufacturers and meets regularly to implement targeted strategies aligned with industry needs.
Opportunities for Engagement
There are many ways to get involved, whether by hosting a site tour, joining an action team, contributing to career exposure efforts, or staying informed. CMN is committed to making engagement accessible, meaningful, and flexible.
Follow the CMN for news, events, and success stories:
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Contact: Alyssa Joyner at ajoyner@workforcesw.org
Manufacturing Labor Market Information
Top 20 In-Demand Manufacturing Occupations in SW WA
| Occupation | Total Employed | Mean Annual Wages |
| Team Assemblers | 1,335 | $46,900 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | 1,199 | $80,600 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 1,110 | $93,000 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 985 | $81,400 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 901 | $65,700 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | 862 | $59,500 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 659 | $61,300 |
| Electrical Engineers | 538 | $118,900 |
| Industrial Engineers | 452 | $125,800 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 447 | $107,400 |
| Machinists | 384 | $63,100 |
| Helpers–Production Workers | 365 | $44,800 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 360 | $75,100 |
| Industrial Production Managers | 341 | $136,100 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 315 | $175,100 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | 300 | $59,200 |
| Food Batchmakers | 287 | $41,600 |
| Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other | 284 | $46,800 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 271 | $68,100 |
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | 240 | $54,200 |
Data Source JobsEQ 2024 Q4
Manufacturing Demographics in SW WA
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Meet Your Manufacturing Rep
As Senior Project Manager for Manufacturing, Alyssa is your workforce development partner. She wants you to know about and benefit from the employment and training services funded through Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW).
From employee recruiting to training and retention, Alyssa can assess your workforce needs, identify opportunities, help develop solutions and connect you to resources to help your business grow and thrive.
Prior to joining WSW, Alyssa was a Vet Corps Navigator with the WA Department of Veterans Affairs. Based at Lower Columbia College, she assisted returning veterans and their families with reintegration, including helping them develop education goals and enroll in training and education programs.
A Navy veteran, Alyssa spent her time on the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) as a Quartermaster or navigation expert, performing ship control, driving, plotting, handling bridge watch duties and maintaining deck logs.
After leaving the service, Alyssa returned home to Longview and began her civilian career.
Alyssa Joyner, Senior Project Manager – Manufacturing
Email Alyssa
Reach out to Alyssa to schedule a meeting so you can learn about workforce development services for your manufacturing business.
Get Involved
To get involved in our manufacturing panel, receive notices of manufacturing meetings and/or the manufacturing e-newsletter, or get conntects to resources for manufacturing companies, please contact Alyssa Joyner, Senior Project Manager – Manufacturing. Email Alyssa or call at 360.567.1076.
