The Oregon Employment Department projects a 9 percent growth rate with 4,000 jobs in primary metals and fabricated metals by 2014, due to job creation and replacement openings. The average age of the metals industry worker in the Portland metro region is 47, so 75% of the openings will be replacements due to retirements. The metals manufacturing industry offers great employment opportunities with benefits and average wages of almost $48,000 (not including benefits).

Manufacturers in Portland Metro region recognized they need a competitive advantage to succeed in today's technology-driven global economy. WSI, Region 2 WorkSource partners and Manufacturing 21 have partnered to create a Metals Manufacturing Skills Panel to address the training needs of the metals industry in our region. Additionally, WSI and WorkSource Portland Metro have collaborated to create a Regional Metals Team to directly address the needs of the Portland area's metals manufacturers

Next Steps & Ongoing Initiatives

• Funding is now available for Metals Industry training. The Metals Skills Panel is in the process of identifying and prioritizing training needs. This group will continue to meet to discuss current training needs and industry trends.
• Metals companies residing in Multnomah and Washington Counties are eligible to benefit from State training funds.  Companies are encouraged to participate in Skill Panel meetings to help direct how funding is invested.

For more information contact:
Jesse Aronson
503-478-7324
jaronson@worksystems.org

This project is funded in whole or part with funds from Employer Workforce Training Funds administrered by the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development.