Investing for Lane County Businesses
As a capacity builder/investor, Lane Workforce Partnership’s Board is committed to enhancing the region’s ability to meet the workforce needs of local employers through the utilization of federal and state funds.
Current investments include:
WorkSource Lane
The annual $1.4 million dollar investment of federal, state, and foundation funds made by the Lane Workforce Partnership Board of Directors into WorkSource Lane provides for staffing, training scholarships, support services, On-the-Job training funds, internet access, computers, and testing programs to ensure that jobseekers have the skills to meet the needs of local employers. WorkSource Lane meets the needs of local employers through a collaborative service delivery effort between the Lane Workforce Partnership and the Oregon Employment Department.
For job search assistance, information on training programs, and services to businesses, please call 541-686-7985 and ask to speak with a Career Advisor.
Please click here for business supports available due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
On-the-Job Training Program
Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 the Lane Workforce Partnership invested $206,946.72 in the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. The OJT program is administered through WorkSource Oregon Lane. The OJT Program offers Lane County businesses up to $3,500 for hiring an eligible job seeker or current employee who is almost perfect, but is lacking a skill, or set of skills, AND is willing to train them on the job. Known as a “hire first” activity, it creates a win-win for employers and job seekers. Reimbursements are calculated at 50% of the wages earned by the new hire during the training period.
Onward Eugene actively works as a champion to expand the reach of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program to Lane County Businesses. Working in partnership with staff at WorkSource Oregon Lane, Onward helps to connect businesses with resources that benefit both employers and job seekers. With a focus on intentional, inclusive outreach, Onward has increased the diversity of businesses that know about and use OJT.
In an effort to be more engaging and inclusive with their outreach, Onward has created this animated video showing the diversity of jobs, people, and work settings that OJT supports.
OJT brochureRegional Innovation Training Funds
Lane Workforce Partnership and Lane County’s Community & Economic partner to invest in the Regional Innovation Training Fund (RITF). The fund supports collective training projects in targeted industry sectors focused on meaningful post-secondary credentials; and result in growth and retention of innovation talent in Lane County.
Watch for new innovation training fund opportunities.
Other Investments
- Discard Upcycling in partnership with Viking Sewing, Vacuum Spa and Stove have come together to launch Viking Textile Maker Hub (VTMH). The Textile Maker Hub offers industrial sewing training, alterations, use of Industrial sewing machines for textile craftsmanship, industrial sewing and textile makers space. The Textile Maker Hub business infrastructure provides a professional workspace with the needed equipment that allow sewists flexible times to do alterations and textile repairs. The Textile Maker Hub also offers access to a variety of industrial and specialized sewing machines for teaching classes, doing projects, and operating small independent manufacturing businesses. The owner and operator of Discard Upcycling, Mitra Gruwell, designed an industry recognized sewing training program that trains students in the basic skills and safety protocols being sought out by our local textile manufacturing businesses. Click here for more information.
Work-Ready Lane County
As an economic development strategy, Lane County achieved its goal of becoming a Certified Work Ready Community. View up-to-date progress towards the goal for all counties within the State of Oregon.
The CWRC program works in concert with the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), and serves as a validating tool that a community has a skilled labor force for targeted industries. The Governor has identified the National Career Readiness Certificate as one of the administration’s key workforce development strategies.
“The program allows you to assess people ahead of time before they come in the door. The National Career Readiness Certificate includes a rigorous testing system… I’m noticing a significant quality difference in the applicant pool since we started using the NCRC.” Wayne Skipper, President, Concentric Sky. Concentric Sky is featured in a video to bring awareness to the value of the National Career Readiness Certificate.
View listing of employers in Lane County that recognize the NCRC in their hiring.