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.

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 program year 2021–2022, our investments helped to provide more than 3,000 services to job seekers and place more than 500 individuals in full-time employment at an average wage of $22.28 per hour.

*Represents direct program participants as well as those served for whom we do not have demographic data.

**This number represents full-time employment and does not include placements in internships, apprenticeships, part-time employment, further education, etc.

In Southwest Washington, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and technology are industries with high wages, projected growth and demand for skilled workers. WSW investments in these sectors provide quality job opportunities for individuals while meeting the high need for talent.