Did You Know...

98,000
new job openings by 2014

165,000
projected replacement openings during the same time period.

1 in 6
workers in the region is over the age of 55

46.5%
of Oregon's small businesses are in the Portland Metropolitan region

Workforce Solutions

For program year 2009-2010, Worksystems, Inc. is focused on the following industries:
Business Resources

"Worksystems worked with us from the beginning to help address our training needs. Their valuable assistance at U.S. Barge gave us access to the resources we needed to upstart our training programs" - Corey Yraguen, CEO of U.S. Barge

weldersWorksystems recognizes that it is only by meeting the needs of regional business that the workforce development system can accomplish its goals for individuals. In response, Worksystems invests in a variety of activities to support regional business:

WorkSource Portland Metro - WorkSource Portland Metro provides a one-stop solution to finding and retaining qualified candidates. In addition, employers can call 503-257-HIRE to access all available WorkSource services.

Industry Initiatives - In addition to the company specific services offered through WorkSource Portland Metro, Worksystems undertakes a number of industry initiatives to help support regional industry competitiveness. Worksystems engages with key sectors to understand labor market trends, identify current and emergent workforce needs, engage partners, access grants, tax credits, and subsidies to craft comprehensive workforce solutions developed and driven by industry.

Worksystems' industry initiatives share four common elements. They:

  1. Focus on a single industry, customizing solutions for multiple employers.
  2. Are jointly facilitated by staff and industry representatives who work to identify, develop, implement, and evaluate workforce solutions.
  3. Promote strategies that help new and transitioning workers enter the industry and support pathways to career advancement for existing workers.
  4. Build a mutual investment model (public/private) to achieve better outcomes for both workers and multiple businesses within the industry.

Economic Development - The quality of the regional workforce is a driver of economic development. Worksystems provides a single point of contact for economic developers and businesses that need information about the regional workforce, services, training and other resources available to new or growing companies.

To connect to the many resources available to regional economic developers or businesses, please contact our Business and Industry Team or call 503-478-7300.