Data

Through our partnerships with labor market analysts, economic development agencies, industry and “real-time” labor information tools such as Jobs EQ, we determine the employment, wage, demographic data, and occupational projections to forecast workforce changes in our area.

We compare business skills demand against training supply and inform training and education providers, colleges and partners so that industry needs for skilled talent can be addressed, while helping individuals gain the needed skills for employment in our region’s high-growth industries.

Advancing economic mobility in Southwest Washington through job quality and training opportunities

Through investments in local companies, community organizations, economic development, and higher education, WSW builds strong partnerships to develop the economy and support business growth and recovery, provide opportunities for economic mobility and challenge systems that bar individuals from economic prosperity. Our investments match the needs of local businesses with a highly skilled and trained workforce, creating greater economic success across Southwest Washington.

In the 2022-2023 program year

0

services provided

0

individuals served

0

placed into full time unsubsidized employment

0%

placed into jobs that meet or exceed the MIT Living Wage Standard

$0+ mil

invested in training and career services for youth and adults

$0

invested in training for existing and new employees to support business growth and sustainability

People trained for in-demand jobs

Between July 2022 and June 2023, we invested in training for job seekers and workers, including on-the-job training, work experiences, incumbent worker training and internships.

helmet

0

Construction

stethoscope

0

Healthcare

gear

0

Manufacturing

microchip

0

Technology

Envisioning a region where economic prosperity and growth exists for every person

Across the region, individuals from underprioritized communities and families with low- and middle-income lack the economic opportunities pivotal to success. Access to training and quality jobs creates a talented workforce and further opportunities to grow businesses and create a strong economy.

Our investments serve businesses and individuals to align a skilled workforce with quality jobs, creating opportunity and economic prosperity.

Group of people

0%

of participants served self-identified as Black, Indigenous or Person of Color

Participants by Race/Ethnicity

Pie chart demonstrating race of participants for program year 2022
White 66.9%
Decline to identify 13.3%
Asian 7.2%
Black or African American 4.5%
Two or more races 4.2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2.3%
Native American or Alaska Native 1.5%

Participants by Education Level

Pie chart demonstrating education attainment of participants for program year 2022
General Education Development, high school equivalent or high school diploma 31.7%
Some college 21.0%
Bachelor’s degree 17.3%
Associate degree 9.6%
Less than high school 9.6%
Master’s degree 4.8%
Other post-secondary degree or certificate 3.5%
Did not identify 0.8%
Doctorate 0.7%
No school grades completed 0.6%
Attained Certificate of Attendance/Completion after successfully completing an Individual Education Plan in high school 0.4%

Participants by Gender

Pie chart demonstrating gender of participants for program year 2022
Female 56.5%
Male 40.9%
Other or decline to identify 2.6%

Participants who identified with having a Disability

Pie chart demonstrating participants who identified with having a disability for program year 2022
Does not have a disability 83.0%
Does have a disability 10.7%
Declined to identify 6.3%

Participants by County

Southwest Washington tri-county region
Clark County 1,961
Cowlitz County 530
Wahkiakum County 9

System Locations

WSW invests in career centers, education partners and community-based organizations to reach and serve job seekers from all walks of life. Having services available in a variety of locations improves accessibility to no-cost workforce services for youth, adults, students and rural communities. Services available include career coaching and guidance, training and educational opportunities and support services.

During 2022 – 2023 career and employment services funded by WSW were offered through:

  • Bridgeview Resource Center
  • Clark College
  • Fourth Plain Forward
  • Goodwill Longview Work Opportunity Center
  • Love Overwhelming
  • Lower Columbia College
  • Next
  • Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services
  • Washington State University Vancouver
  • WorkSource Kelso
Map of workforce locations for program year 2022

Funding

WSW’s budget for PY22 was $7.4 million, of which 92% went into the community through contracted services and support.

Funding Spent by Type

Pie chart demonstrating funding for program year 2022
Federal 85.6%
State 7.6%
Local government 4.8%
Private 2.0%

In-demand occupations, certifications and skills

Clark County

193,414 Total Employment
(Q3 2023)

$66,469 Average Annual Wage
(Q3 2023)

4.1% Unemployment Rate
(November 2023)

Top Industries by Employment Q3 2023

Industry Number Employed Avg. Annual Wages
Healthcare and Social Assistance 31,324 $67,109
Retail Trade 19,925 $43,129
Construction 19,235 $72,168
Educational Services 17,291 $49,016
Accommodation and Food Services 15,510 $29,106
Manufacturing 14,721 $73,920

Cowlitz County

43,688 Total Employment
(Q3 2023)

$62,608 Average Annual Wage
(Q3 2023)

4.8% Unemployment Rate
(November 2023)

Top Industries by Employment Q3 2023

Industry Number Employed Avg. Annual Wages
Manufacturing 7,325 $84,069
Healthcare and Social Assistance 6,574 $60,620
Retail Trade 5,323 $38,781
Construction 3,467 $75,666
Educational Services 3,447 $57,524

Wahkiakum County

955 Total Employment
(Q3 2023)

$42,164 Average Annual Wage
(Q3 2023)

7.3% Unemployment Rate
(November 2023)

Top Industries by Employment Q3 2023

Industry Number Employed Avg. Annual Wages
Agriculture, Forestry,
Fishing and Hunting
171 $45,793
Public Administration 112 $46,657
Utilities 112 $73,377
Retail Trade 105 $25,550
Manufacturing 69 $39,994
Educational Services 63 $39,046
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