Workforce Southwest Washington’s (WSW) Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA) Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Out-of-School Youth investment
strategy is focused on driving tangible outcomes—placing talent into meaningful employment while offering targeted training in high-demand sectors.
WIOA, signed into law on July 22, 2014, aims to connect job seekers with employment, education, training, and support services, while helping employers find skilled workers to remain competitive in the global economy. WIOA strengthens the nation’s public workforce system, focusing on assisting individuals, including youth and those facing significant barriers to employment, in securing high-quality jobs and careers, while also supporting employers in hiring and retaining a skilled workforce.
We take a proactive, results-driven approach, emphasizing sector-based training and strong employer partnerships. Our commitment to serving rural communities in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties ensures that we are addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in these areas.
By strategically aligning with industries like healthcare and behavioral health, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, and construction and clean energy, we are equipping job seekers with the in-demand skills that local businesses need to fill critical workforce gaps. This is not just a strategy; it’s a focused, action-oriented commitment to creating a more resilient, thriving workforce and community. With a data-driven approach, we track employment outcomes to ensure rural job seekers and youth have equitable access to stable, well-paying careers in high-growth industries.
WIOA is one of many programs WSW oversees as the Local Workforce Development Board for Southwest Washington.
LOCAL WIOA SUCCESS STORY
Elena came to the U.S. as a refugee from Russia, working low-wage jobs without the opportunity for education. She always dreamed of a career in dentistry but lacked the skills to get started. With guidance from Lutheran Community Services, her family connected with WorkSource Vancouver, where she attended workshops and met with an Employment Specialist. After exploring career options, Elena was identified as a great fit for dental assisting and received a full scholarship to Elite Dental Assisting Academy. WorkSource provided additional support for training essentials like scrubs, a lab coat, and transportation. With financial assistance, she was able to focus on her studies, successfully earning her Dental Assistant Certification in July. Elena is now working full-time at New Horizon Dental. This is just the beginning—her next goal is to become a Dental Hygienist!
EMPLOYER SUCCESS STORY
Raul first sought support from WorkSource Vancouver at 19, where he 
received help crafting a resume and got forklift certification, which led to a job. However, his twenties were marked by struggles with incarceration. During this time, he found comfort in the prison’s barbershop, and after being released in 2015, he pursued barbering with the support of his mom, who bought him tools. Raul balanced a day job in asphalt with part-time barber school at Phagens School of Hair Design, where he connected with a classmate who had received WorkSource assistance. Reaching out to WorkSource, he received funding after submitting an essay that moved the scholarship committee. WorkSource helped with gas, clothing, tools, and tuition support. After completing school, Raul worked at a barbershop, but when the pandemic hit, he started cutting hair from his apartment. Eventually, he opened Chico’s Barbershop in East Vancouver, despite not having storefront experience. The shop is thriving after three years, employing three full-time barbers and an apprentice. Now a business partner with WorkSource, Raul is helping others through apprenticeship programs, offering an alternative route to barbering. Chico’s Barbershop is working to become a registered apprenticeship, creating new opportunities for job seekers in Southwest Washington.
Workforce Southwest Washington is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.
WSW’s PY24 WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker program and One Stop Operator are supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. $2,774,183 (100% of total) is financed by Federal funds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
