WE ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.
We are a customer-driven workforce development system that delivers accessible, high-quality training and placement services for both workers and businesses. We promote common planning and shared resources while continuously striving to improve service. We invest and participate in strategic initiatives to strengthen our economy and ensure that all residents in our region have the opportunity to achieve success.
In partnership with business leaders as well as state and local partners, the South Central Workforce (SCW) leads, directs and oversees the public WorkSource system in Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania and Yakima counties as a part of the American One-Stop Job Center Network.
WorkSource provides effective workforce employment and training services to a wide variety of youth, adults, and businesses through interagency partnerships, leveraged resources, and the delivery of services through a network of geographically targeted one-stop locations. Services are free and can be accessed at any WorkSource location.
WorkSource Operator
The One-Stop Operator for the South Central WorkSource centers is Baldoz Professional Services (BPS), as selected by the SCW board during the One-Stop Operator procurement. Contact: Patrick Baldoz at [email protected] or (509) 952-9810. The contract is for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The RFP can be viewed at RFP One-Stop Operator. Operator procurement is governed by Policy 301: WorkSource Partner Roles and Responsibilities.
ABOUT OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
The South Central Workforce Strategic Plan has been developed in response to federal legislation which requires stronger coordination and realignment of workforce development activities. In brief, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA ) requires state and regional workforce development authorities to establish:
- Data-driven workforce development strategies with an emphasis on employer needs
- One-Stop Service Delivery Systems to integrate triage, enrollment, staffing and placement activities
- Measures that increase access to services and a reduction of barriers
- Performance measures that facilitate progress monitoring and strategy revision where needed
- Employer and stakeholder engagement programs that ensure involvement and shared ownership
Summary of WIOA Requirements
WIOA requires the state to identify workforce regions consisting of one or more local workforce areas. Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) are required to develop plans that detail policies, procedures, and activities they will carry out to implement the law. LWDBs must address both regional and local planning requirements. All LWDB plans must support or otherwise be consistent with the strategy described in the State Plan. WIOA requires the development of four-year plans, to be revised after the first two years. The Washington State Workforce Board will use the regional plan as a mechanism to address as many of the criteria for LWDB certification as possible. LWDBs must be certified once every two years. An approved plan will serve as evidence that each LWDB is addressing the 13 required functions of local boards.