Adult Investments
We invest in training, services, and partnerships that connect people to careers, support industry needs, and strengthen the region’s economy.
By aligning education and workforce efforts with real-time labor market demand, we help create a more responsive and effective system.
Our work brings together employers, educators, community organizations, and government partners to address skill gaps, promote economic mobility, and reduce poverty through targeted, collaborative solutions.
WorkSource
Each year, thousands of people connect with career and training support through WorkSource centers in Kelso and Vancouver. Whether you’re looking for your first job, transitioning careers, or building new skills, WorkSource is here to help—with no cost to you.
Available services include:
- Job Search Assistance – Personalized help with career planning, resumes, applications, interviews, and more
- Access to Job Openings – Direct connections to employers hiring now
- On-the-Job Training – Learn new skills while earning a paycheck
- Internships & Work Experience – Gain hands-on experience to strengthen your résumé
- Training & Skill Development – Access to education and certification programs
- Supportive Services – Help with transportation, work clothing, childcare, and other employment-related needs
- Information & Referrals – Connections to housing support, services for individuals with disabilities, and other community resources
WorkSource Operator
The one-stop operator for the American Job Centers known as WorkSource Vancouver and WorkSource Kelso is Career Path Services Employment and Training. Contact: Marnie Farness via email or call at 360.635.8019 The contract was approved by WSW’s Board on June 13, 2023. The contract is for October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. The RFP can be viewed here. Operator procurement is governed by Procurement Policy #1003. The Statement of Work (SOW) is available here.
The State of our Workforce: Exploring our Populations in Southwest Washington
As part of our ongoing effort to understand the evolving needs of our region, we’re examining workforce participation trends across key population groups in Southwest Washington. This data-driven approach helps highlight disparities that may impact access to employment, training, and economic opportunity.
By surfacing these insights, we aim to inform strategies that improve workforce participation, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and ensure our investments respond to the needs of our communities.
Focus areas throughout the year include:
In Southwest Washington, women in the workforce face significant wage disparities. Working women make an average of $37,353 per year in a stable job compared to the overall average wage of $52,849 per year in a stable job. Women also face employment disparities within high-paying industries, such as manufacturing, construction and professional, scientific and technical services. In construction in 2020, only 20.13% (3,472) of jobs were occupied by women, while men dominate 79.87% (13,772) of the industry.
At Workforce Southwest Washington, we believe that every worker should have access to high-quality employment and advancement opportunities. Through our investments and programs, we hope to create a more equitable workforce in Southwest Washington for women, where they have access to training, education and high-paying positions.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Women in Construction Week (March March 6 – 12) and beyond, we will continue to draw attention to the disparities that women and other historically-excluded communities face and disrupt systems to create a more equitable and accessible workforce for all.
Explore the data on Women in Construction below.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a tried and true training model that allows an individual to move into a career, even if that person has little or no work experience in their chosen field.
Apprentices get paid to learn on the job as they receive valuable classroom training and mentorship and develop the skills and knowledge that will help them become highly skilled and highly compensated in their field.
Economic Security for All
EcSA Local Overview
The local EcSA program, piloted by Workforce Southwest Washington, partners with social service and community organizations to help people move out of poverty and into careers in southwestern Washington. EcSA was one of the first four pilot programs, launched in 2019. While EcSA geographic focus largely remains Cowlitz County, the program expanded into Wahkiakum County in 2022 and Clark County in mid-2023. EcSA participants commonly prepare for and seek jobs in manufacturing, construction, technology, and healthcare.
The program focuses on supporting individuals experiencing poverty or at risk of poverty, as measured through an individualized Self-Sufficiency score and the Federal Poverty Limit 200% above. Key focuses include:
- Establish and implement customized career plans to reach self-sufficiency wages
- Offers extensive wrap-around services including career coaching, workshops, support services, training funds, and retention services
- Connections to higher education opportunities such as the WA College Grant Connect.
For more information about Economic Security for All, contact Mando Antonio, Program Manager. Email Mando.
For more information about our Adult Investments, contact Marnie Farness, Director of Programs. Email Marnie.
