|
July 2026
Welcome to this edition of Workforce Pulse! Each quarter, we bring you the latest on Spokane’s labor market, campus happenings, and the people and programs shaping our workforce. In this issue: an executive update from our CEO, fresh labor market data, new campus partnerships, and success stories from job seekers building their futures. | |
|
|
 By Kevin Williams, CEO
Spokane Workforce Council
At the Spokane Workforce Council, we believe a strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy. Every day, we bring together employers, educators, workforce professionals, labor organizations, community groups, and public partners to build a workforce system that’s responsive to the people and businesses we serve.
Work itself is changing fast. Technology, AI, shifting demographics, and evolving employer needs are reshaping the landscape. By anticipating these trends, investing in people, and strengthening regional partnerships, we’re preparing Spokane County for what’s ahead.
Through our One-Stop Campus and network of partners, we help individuals access career pathways to family-sustaining wages, while giving employers the talent solutions they need to grow. We’re also convening regional partners to prepare for the workforce impacts of federal policy changes, including HR1, so employment, education, and support services stay aligned as people transition into work.
Our greatest strength is our ability to convene. We’re deepening collaboration with economic development organizations, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, industry leaders, labor, and community partners to build stronger talent pipelines and align workforce investments with regional priorities.
Looking ahead, the Spokane Workforce Council remains committed to innovation, accountability, and partnership, building a system that expands opportunity, strengthens businesses, and positions Spokane County as a place where people and employers thrive.
Thank you for being part of this work. Whether you’re pursuing a career, growing a business, or partnering with us, your contributions are helping build Spokane’s future. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Key Industry Highlights:
Population growing 3.4% since 2020, +17,776 more by 2030. Sustained population growth is the leading indicator that our workforce pipeline needs to scale now, not later. Labor force participation rate down to 58.93% from 61.22% in 2021. Since a shrinking participation rate can undercut employment gains even as jobs grow. Providence posted nearly 3,000 unique job openings, the most of any employer in the county. Healthcare offers roles across every education level, from Healthcare Support to Practitioners, giving workers a real ladder to climb within one dominant, stable sector. 40,421 veterans live in Spokane County, well above the national average (26,458) for an area this size. Veterans bring transferable skills and leadership experience that local employers need, and we prioritize connecting this population to training and career pathways that translate their military experience into civilian careers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
Meet the Employer Event Draws Record Turnout |
|
|
Our latest Meet the Employer event was a huge success, connecting 153 job seekers with 15 employers, the highest employer turnout in the event’s history. This continues a strong growth trend: while these monthly events once drew 60–75 job seekers and 6–8 employers, they now regularly attract 100–180 job seekers and 11–15 employers.
Attendees praised the event as “wonderful,” “organized,” and an “awesome opportunity” to meet employers face-to-face, submit resumes, ask questions, and build professional connections.
The continued growth reflects the real value these events bring: bridging the gap between talent and opportunity while supporting local businesses and job seekers alike. |
|
| | | Congratulations to our Machinist Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Graduates! |
|
|
In late June, we celebrated a huge milestone: our Next Generation Zone participants graduated from the accelerated Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program, developed in partnership with the Machinists Institute. Over five weeks, these young adults built real, hands-on skills, including mills, lathes, drill presses, welding, CNC lathe work, forklift certification, electrical concepts, and soldering, while touring local manufacturing employers to see firsthand what a career in the industry could look like for them.
We’re incredibly proud of this cohort. Five weeks earlier they walked in as students. They walked out with certifications, shop-floor experience, and real connections to employers who are hiring.
Huge thanks to Metals Fabrication, Solstice, Altek, MacKay Manufacturing, and SCC for opening their doors to our students, and to Richard from Alliance Manufacturing and Josh from Wagstaff, who spoke with the cohort in late June about career paths in their companies. And of course, thank you to the Machinists Institute for building and running this program with us. This partnership is exactly the kind of pathway we want to keep creating for Spokane’s young workforce. |
|
| |
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating with the Access Spokane Job & Resource Fair, connecting job seekers with disabilities to employers and resources in our community. Proudly sponsored by Spokane County, WorkSource Spokane, Spokane Workforce Council, and the Washington State DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Mark your calendar and join us. Learn more: Access Job & Resource Fair |
|
| | | Tony Diep
2026 Graduate | Gonzaga University
Tony crossed the finish line this spring, graduating with his Business degree from Gonzaga University. He balanced the financial pressures of paying bills alongside his final year of coursework and persevered to earn his degree. He begins his career search this summer and is currently employed at Kunis.
In their own words:
“Thank you SO much! I was able to go to school and graduate with a degree because of this foundation. Year after year, you guys have supported me, and we finally made it all the way through. I’ll be looking for a career here soon and will always remember the support I received from this amazing group.” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Dusty Chambless
Spokane Community College | Automotive AAS | Expected Graduation: 2027
Dusty reports that he carried a 3.9 GPA this year and is just shy of his goal of a 4.0, which he plans to achieve next quarter. Scholarship support addressed two critical barriers, transportation and sleep, that had been significantly affecting his health and academic performance. With those needs met, his wellbeing and grades improved markedly.
(Picture to the right: Dusty in front of SCC’s Automotive Building with the electric bike purchased with his scholarship funds to ensure he had reliable transportation to get to class.)
“I really thank the scholarship for helping me get a mattress so I could get better sleep. It was affecting my mental health and now I am doing much better because of the help from the scholarship and help from the Next Generation Zone connecting me to resources in the community to assist with my mental health. I am so grateful!” |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Pamela Javier
Washington State University | Sociology, minor in Political Science | Expected Graduation: 2027
Pamela maintained an outstanding GPA while working full time and raising three daughters. She led a workshop at the Children’s Justice Conference in Spokane and presented at the National Federation of Families Annual Conference. When she lost her job in March, scholarship funds covered groceries, gas, and a car repair; she has since secured a new caregiving position and remains on track for a Spring 2027 graduation.
“Thank you, Innovia, for supporting me throughout the years… The scholarship has helped me to pay for groceries and gas, especially when I lost my job for a while… I want to verbally thank Innovia and The Next Generation Zone for supporting me throughout this long mental journey of pursuing my higher education.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| WorkSource WA
Job search, career coaching, and training resources, all in one place. Washington’s official workforce hub connects you to real opportunities. Visit WorkSource WA → |
|
|
|
| Meet E.C.H.O for Businesses!E.C.H.O improves the way businesses navigate local workforce development services. Chat with E.C.H.O → |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Career Explore NWLooking for a new career? Career Explore NW has you covered. Wage, education, and pathways. All in one spot. Read More → |
|
|
|
|
TalentLMS has Arrived!
Access free online courses through our TalentLMS partnership, designed to help jobseekers build new skills.
Learn More → |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
The Spokane Workforce Council is an Equal Opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711. Our programs receive support and funding from various US Department of Labor grants. Read more about our USDOL grant funding at: spokaneworkforce.org/funding. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
