Youth State and local workforce investment systems are partnering with businesses nationwide. Workforce development professionals are building effective collaborative efforts to prepare youth to respond to business needs and skill demands in the labor market.

Contact Name: Sanjay Rughani
Phone: 360/676-3224
Email: SRughani@nwpic.bellingham.wa.us

Benefits of Hiring Youth include:

• Shape and tailor the future workforce from the beginning
• Acquire employees who are open to careers in nontraditional occupations
• Receive incentives for hiring special targeted populations, for more information, visit Government Incentives and Assistance website
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit
• Federal Bonding Program
• Contribute to positive outcomes for youth

What Employers Can Do

• Hire youth in entry level positions
• Establish work-based internships
• Serve as mentors
• Participate in local workforce system meetings, forums, workshops, etc.

Veterans It makes sense to hire U.S. veterans. Veterans have the training, work ethic and proven skills that will immediately add value to your business. Equally important, you'll be contributing to America's global competitiveness and the strength of our economic base.  Whether you're a manager, human resources specialist or veteran seeking employment, you'll find the resources you need for matching employment opportunities with veterans.

Veteran Services provides employment related employment assistance to Veterans and other eligible persons, including job counseling, job search assistance, job referral and placement. Veterans Staff regularly advises various groups in the community, including employers, labor unions and veterans' organizations, of Veterans eligible for employment, and vice versa. The goal is to encourage employers and labor unions to employ Veterans and eligible persons.

Contact Names and Details on Services: Click Here

Benefits of hiring a veteran include:

• Accelerated learning curve
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Diversity and inclusion in action
• Efficient performance under pressure
• Respect for procedures
• Technology and globalization
• Integrity
• Conscious of health and safety standards

Mature The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work based training program for mature workers. In addition to providing community services and part-time work based training, the program has a goal of placing mature workers into unsubsidized jobs. Program participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of Federal, State or local minimum wage, or the prevailing wage. They are placed in a wide variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including day-care centers, senior centers, schools and hospitals. It is intended that these community service experiences serve as a bridge to other employment positions that are not supported with Federal funds.

Contact Name: Sue Cordero
Phone: 360/676-3230
Email: SCordero@nwpic.bellingham.wa.us

Benefits of hiring mature workers include:
 
Experience - Mature workers possess work experience and on-the-job education, which has honed their analytical and personal skills, making them cost-effective workers. They’re willing to share this massive resource with your company to increase value and productivity!

Flexibility - Mature workers, especially those in “post-retirement” display a greater willingness to accept alternative work arrangements, such as part-time or contingent modes. They’re willing to work with you to make your company the best it can be!

Loyalty - Mature workers are socially and economically stable, at a point in their lives where family transitions are minimal and when the priorities if valuable work and commitment to their job is high. They are thoroughly reliable. They’ll outlast training in new skills and operations, and know the value of a good employer. They’ll be there for you and will be solid pillars as you build your company!

Source: “New Opportunities for Older Workers”, Committee for Economic Development, 1999

Disabled Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a statewide resource for people with disabilities. DVR assist individuals with disabilities in getting and keeping a job. DVR is a state and federally-sponsored program. DVR works in partnership with the community and businesses to develop employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Contact Name: Darcy Haughian
Phone: 360/676-3219
Email: haughd@sdshs.wa.gov

Benefits of hiring a person with a disability include:

• Immediate access to potential pre-screened employees
• Increased employee retention, reduced turnover costs related to recruitment and training
• Fosters a culture of diversity and improvements in other employee's morale and productivity
• Tax credits and education resources
• Follow up services to ensure employee’s productivity and success
• On site consultation or technical assistance, providing access to cutting edge assistive technologies (avg. cost $35) that can improve the overall work performance of people with disabilities
• Resources to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities and employees returning to work following an illness or injury