Aligned Partner Network

An innovative network dedicated to collaborating in service of community.

35+

community-based organizations in the network

Providing SupportResourcesGuidance to Those Who Need It Most

The Aligned Partner Network (APN) is a nationally recognized collaboration of over 35 community-based organizations delivering workforce training and education. Using a shared Career Coaching model and direct connections to WorkSource Portland Metro, the network effectively addresses poverty by breaking down barriers and providing pathways to training, wraparound services, and career opportunities.

How It Works

The Aligned Partner Network includes contracted Career Coaches from across all Worksystems’ programs, including the Economic Opportunity Program, WorkEx, NextGen Youth Program, Community Construction Training Program, and the Clean Energy Coaching Program, as well as a myriad of coaches from community-based organizations that work collaboratively with us through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Career Coaches are dedicated to helping individuals access life-changing services that will ultimately lead to a career pathway providing economic independence.

Worksystems’ role is to convene this network as a community of practice to share resources, discuss best practices, and ultimately leverage each partner’s strengths and ensure access to necessary services. We are also the bridge between Career Coaches and WorkSource Portland Metro, the public workforce system.

By connecting the services and expertise of the partners in the Aligned Partner Network with the workforce training and job placement services offered by WorkSource, participants with multiple challenges can pursue training, secure employment, and build promising futures for themselves and their families.

Benefits to joining the Aligned Partner Network include:

Professional Development for Career Coaches: Monthly sessions that enhance coaching skills and deepen knowledge of WorkSource services and processes.
Occupational Skills Training (OST) Scholarships: Allocated funds reserved for APN participants at each WorkSource center.
Access to WorkSource Liaisons: Liaisons provide ongoing training, coaching, and technical assistance to APN Career Coaches to support participants in career planning, vocational training, employment goals, and navigating the range of workforce services available to them.

Collaboration Between WorkSource Liaisons and APN Career Coaches

While WorkSource Liaisons do not interact directly with participants, they play a vital role in supporting APN Career Coaches.

WorkSource Liaisons:

Train Career Coaches on WorkSource services, career mapping, and participant support strategies.
Facilitate monthly workshops and provide ongoing technical assistance.
Help identify motivated participants and troubleshoot challenges.

APN Career Coaches:

Provide relationship-based coaching to help participants succeed in training and employment.
Offer ongoing guidance, update career plans, and assist with accessing resources like child care, transportation, and basic needs.
Coach participants on soft skills (e.g., punctuality, communication, time management).
Guide participants through WorkSource services, training, job searches, and career advancement.
Support participant retention and career growth post-employment.

By combining APN’s community-based expertise with WorkSource’s workforce resources, this partnership ensures participants have the support and opportunities needed to thrive.