Workforce Snohomish receives Opportunity Lives Here Award

The Opportunity Lives Here Award recognizes an organization that brings innovation and creates opportunities locally and regionally, according to the Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Whether it’s sharpening a resume or helping a business launch an apprenticeship, Workforce Snohomish’s mission is helping Snohomish County residents find employment regardless of the obstacles they may face.

The agency serves employers and job seekers, including young job seekers ages 14 to 24. The quasi governmental agency receives federal and private funding.

Workforce Snohomish is this year’s winner of the Opportunity Lives Here Award, which recognizes an organization that brings innovation and creates opportunities locally and regionally, according to the Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

“I wish we were simple to describe,” Emory said. “You just need to know that Workforce Snohomish is where people and employers go to get help.

Workforce receives federal funding from the Local Workforce Investment Board to operate the WorkSource Center, located in Everett.

The center is part of the nationwide American Job Center system, which offers a suite of free services, including employment workshops and job fairs and help with educational and training opportunities.

“We have one comprehensive site in Snohomish County and that’s in Everett at the train station,” Emory said. The agency distributes many of its services through “connection sites,” such as Sno-Isle Libraries, Volunteers of America, Connect Casino Road and the Northwest Innovation Resource Center.

The agency’s responsibilities are many, including anticipating the types of jobs that will be created, or will be in demand, in the next three to five years. Such forecasts, help schools and colleges prepare job-seekers for the future job market, Emory said.

“I wish we were simple to describe,” Emory said. “You just need to know that Workforce Snohomish is where people and employers go to get help.

A nominator noted the contributions of Emory, the agency’s CEO since January 2020.

“Joy Emory, as CEO of WorkForce Snohomish, is a tireless and visionary leader in making innovative investments and establishing new business models of public/private partnerships to support and sustain advanced education and high-income job opportunities for the people of Snohomish County,” a nominator wrote. “She is truly exemplary as a workforce entrepreneur who is undaunted by obstacles and unwilling to accept the status quo where the people and economic future of Snohomish County are concerned.”

County executive Dave Somers in a statement called the agency “an incredibly successful partner for job training, and one of the key elements ensuring our economy continues to thrive for many.”

Workforce Compass is the agency’s latest offering. The online tool can help job seekers explore various occupations, identify their skills and offer pointers on how to market them to employers, Emory said.

The agency offers a a separate suite of services to employers.

“We have a team of five business engagement specialists whose focus is to develop relationships with employers and understand their business needs,” Emory said.

“If an employer has new technology that they need to train workers on, we can support that,” Emory said.

In some cases, the agency can help offset their wages for a limited period, Emory said.

Workforce takes a holistic approach to job seekers.

Someone pursuing a high school or college credential may also need food, housing and other services. “We can help meet those basic needs,” Emory said. “That approach is why our completion rates are 70%.”

It also serves young job seekers, ages 14-24 through its work readiness programs. Case managers can help re-enroll students in high school, earn a GED or find employment. They are also able to help them get bus cards, interview clothing, and connected to other services.

The agency now has its eye on climate change mitigation, an emerging job sector, and the impact that’s having on local businesses.”We see a real opportunity to dig in around climate change and the connection to industries here in Snohomish County.”

Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.