Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is celebrating National Workforce Development Month this September by highlighting the services WorkSource Oregon provides to job seekers and businesses across the state.
OED’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a statewide partnership of state, local and nonprofit organizations that provides no-cost employment and training services to job seekers and businesses.
“National Workforce Development Month is an opportunity to recognize the people and partnerships that help us connect Oregonians with job opportunities,” said OED Director Andrew R. Stolfi. “Workforce development is about more than just filling open positions. It’s about helping people build skills and careers, and it’s about helping businesses find the talent they need. The comprehensive services provided by WorkSource Oregon strengthen families, employers, and communities across Oregon.”
With 37 locations across the state and three mobile centers, WorkSource Oregon offers services for people at different stages in their careers. A job seeker can meet one-on-one with a career coach for help with a resume, interviewing, or a job search. If they are considering a new career, they can find resources to explore education, apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training opportunities. Job seekers can also connect with employers and find openings through iMatchSkills.
For eligible customers, WorkSource Oregon can help address barriers that may make it harder to find or keep a job. Depending on the program and individual circumstances, that support may include help with transportation, tuition, work clothing, or other employment-related needs.
OED also administers specialized workforce programs for people with different needs and experiences. Veterans Employment Services connects eligible veterans and spouses with individualized career and employment support. The SNAP Training and Employment Program helps eligible SNAP participants build skills and move toward employment. OED also provides employment services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and other populations.
WorkSource Oregon services extend to employers, as well. Business Services representatives work with businesses to understand their workforce needs and connect them with potential candidates. They can also support recruitment efforts, hiring events and workforce training.
OED is working to expand access to these services throughout the state, including in rural communities. Mobile WorkSource Oregon centers bring workforce resources to customers who may not live near a WorkSource Oregon location, expanding access for job seekers and employers across the state.
“People come to WorkSource Oregon for many different reasons,” Workforce Operations Director Jim Pfarrer said. “Some are looking for their first job. Others are returning to work, changing careers or building new skills. Employers may need help finding candidates or preparing their workforce for what comes next. Our goal is to connect them with services and resources that can help.”
Job seekers and businesses can learn more about free WorkSource Oregon services and find their nearest WorkSource Oregon center at WorkSourceOregon.org.
Oregonians can explore employment projections, wages, occupations, industry trends, and other workforce and economic information from OED’s Workforce and Economic Research division at QualityInfo.org.
About Workforce Operations and WorkSource Oregon
The Oregon Employment Department’s Workforce Operations division is a partner in WorkSource Oregon, a consortium of state agencies and local workforce boards, and operates 37 WorkSource Oregon centers across the state. WorkSource Oregon offers a wide range of free services to job seekers, employers, and businesses, including personalized career coaching, resume writing, job search strategies, support for job postings and hiring incentives, and access to labor-market data. Visit worksourceoregon.org for more information.