Spokane County Workforce Development Investments: Empowering Job Seekers and Strengthening Businesses
At the Spokane Workforce Council (SWC), our mission is to foster economic growth and workforce development by investing in people and businesses throughout Spokane County. To achieve our goals, we are proud to have directed over $18 million into Spokane County over the past year, focusing on programs and initiatives that create tangible results for job seekers and employers alike.
In February’s board meeting, our SWC staff shared a comprehensive mid-year data report, providing insights into the performance metrics from the services we have provided across the campus. This data is more than just numbers—it reflects the real impact of our investments, which translate into meaningful outcomes for our community. Our goal is simple: to invest in the future of Spokane by providing the tools and resources necessary for individuals and businesses to thrive.
“As we continue to invest in Spokane’s workforce, we are not just providing resources—we are actively shaping the future of our community, empowering individuals and businesses to grow, prosper, and succeed,” said Mark Mattke, CEO of the Spokane Workforce Council.
Career Services to Over 3,000 Individuals
Our WorkSource Spokane campus has been a hub of activity this program year, providing career services to more than 3,029 individuals. These services include job training, resume support, career counseling, and access to job listings, all aimed at equipping job seekers with the skills they need to succeed in the local workforce.
Jessica Clayton, Division Executive of Programs and Developed, stated: “This program year we have seen a diverse array of job seekers who have visited our centers, and each one of them has a unique story. Our team has diligently provided career training, and supportive services to customers and helped move people in the direction towards their career goals. The demand for both in-person and virtual services drives us to continued innovation and evaluation of the best way to meet our customer need.”
GED Graduates: Empowering Young Adults
In partnership with Open Doors Spokane County, over 80 young adults have graduated from our GED program at the Next Generation Zone so far this year. This initiative is vital in providing educational opportunities to individuals who may not have completed traditional high school, enabling them to take the next step toward career success.
Program staff, students, and their families celebrated graduation at a ceremony hosted at the Talbot Event Center on January 21st. This event celebrated the accomplishments of students as they embark on their futures. We are so proud of our students for achieving their GED and look forward to providing career and training programs to help them achieve their employment goals.
$312K Invested in Career and Skills Training
We believe that investing in skills training is one of the most impactful ways to create long-term success for job seekers. This year, we have utilized over $312,000 of local workforce funds in career and skills training programs. As a result, participants are not just gaining valuable skills, they are also securing good jobs. On average, those who complete our programs are placed in positions with an average wage of over $22 per hour, making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and their families.
We’ve connected over 245 individuals with training across 20+ career fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and cybersecurity. Our comprehensive training services help individuals transition into new careers and strengthen the workforce.
Career Accelerator Incentives: Boosting Employment Opportunities
Our Career Accelerator Incentive program has provided crucial support to 104 individuals this year. When these participants secure employment, they earn an average of $1 more per hour compared to individuals who do not receive the incentive. This initiative not only helps job seekers secure employment but also ensures they are earning competitive wages that promote financial stability.
Participants have utilized the incentives to maintain stable housing, pay bills, and meet other crucial household needs while completing education and training. It has allowed some of our unhoused participants to secure and maintain housing and provide necessities for their family. We have several customers who have purchased a vehicle, put money into savings, and are doing other activities that are both stabilizing and asset building.
Supporting Diverse Local Businesses
One of our most impactful investment initiatives are the Business Investment Grants, funded through the Community Reinvestment Plan in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. These grants have allocated over $475,000 into 44 unique Black, Latine, and Native-owned businesses in the Spokane area. By supporting diverse business ownership, we are contributing to the growth and sustainability of local businesses, fostering economic development, and creating new job opportunities within our community.
Stay tuned for a future blog post highlighting the impact the BIG grants have had on our local business community.
Investing in Spokane’s Future
At the heart of our investments is commitment to the people and businesses that make Spokane County thrive. Every career service offered and every business supported contributes to the long-term prosperity of our community. As the Local Board responsible for workforce development design and implementation, we are proud of the measurable impact our programs have had thus far and are excited about the continued progress we will see as we move ahead with new initiatives and partnerships.
“As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering programs and services that help individuals achieve their career goals, while also providing the support and opportunities that businesses need to succeed,” shared Mattke. “We are proud that our high-performing workforce system offers a positive return on investment for each dollar we spend.
Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Spokane—a place where job seekers can achieve their dreams and businesses can flourish. Through continued investment and dedication, we are confident that our community will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
