Snohomish County in Washington state is taking steps to boost workforce training and address unemployment with a $4.3 million investment. County Executive Dave Somers announced the funding to support seven programs aimed at investing in local businesses in need of skilled workers, as well as reaching out to demographics facing employment challenges.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Snohomish County has seen a significant decline in employment, with around 9,000 fewer people working compared to pre-pandemic levels. While the county’s overall unemployment rate decreased from double digits early in the pandemic to 3.4% last month, young residents between the ages of 16 and 24 continue to face a higher unemployment rate of 11.9%. Additionally, a large retirement wave and a shortage of childcare options have contributed to a worker shortage in the region.
County Executive Dave Somers believes that the federal dollars provided through the American Rescue Plan Act offer a critical opportunity to address these challenges and support local businesses. The county’s investment aims to tackle barriers to employment such as language, transportation, disabilities, and skill sets.
One of the programs receiving funding is being developed by Housing Hope in Everett. The organization’s director of employment and education, Erin Matthews, is creating a work program specifically designed for individuals who are unable to attend school but want training in human services. The program will offer a four-week course that includes classroom and hands-on experience, with participants earning $16 per hour. Upon completion, participants will also have the opportunity for a two-week job shadowing experience and will receive support from human services specialists and education coordinators to help them secure employment. The funds awarded to Housing Hope will also be used to provide food and transportation access to participants.
Another recipient of funding is Cares of Washington, a nonprofit organization based in Seattle that provides employment support to marginalized groups. The organization will use the funds to help individuals overcome barriers to finding and retaining employment, such as language barriers or financial constraints. For example, Cares of Washington can provide assistance to individuals who may have secured a job but lack the funds for transportation until they receive their first paycheck.
Additionally, Workforce Snohomish will receive $1.5 million for a data analytics boot camp to train young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, as well as individuals facing employment barriers. Economic Alliance Snohomish County and Snohomish STEM Network will receive nearly $1.2 million to increase access to STEM programs for over 5,000 students. Edmonds College will receive almost $600,000 for link light rail construction pre-apprenticeship programs, collaborating with Latino Educational Training Institute and Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest to address language barriers. Finally, $474,410 will be awarded to AJAC for aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, targeting adults, youth, and students with disabilities.
The county’s investment will help bridge the gap between available job opportunities and the workforce, while also addressing the unique challenges faced by different demographics. By focusing on workforce training and connecting individuals with employment opportunities, Snohomish County aims to reverse the impact of the pandemic on local employment and provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the changing job market.
