Building a Better System

Worksystems’ goal is to coordinatesupportbuilddesignsustainorganize a regional public workforce system that provides integrated services, accessible training, and prepares and connects job seekers to high-quality regional jobs.

What Is the Public Workforce System

Oregon’s Workforce Talent and Development Board (WTBD) defines the public workforce system as a collection of 13 federal and state programs. As the Portland Metro Workforce Development Board, we are responsible for aligning, coordinating, and streamlining programs and resources that define Oregon’s public workforce system. We coordinate additional resources and programs with the system to expand access and ensure people get the services they need to thrive in the regional economy.

Green outline of two counties in Oregon with four cities listed

Our goal is to ensure the system provides value to all job seekers, workers, and employers.

3.9%

of the labor force (31,540 people) in Portland Metro were unemployed in 2024.

13%

of the labor force in Portland Metro works full-time but earns less than $35,000 in 2024. Others face steep barriers to employment because of low literacy skills, housing insecurity, criminal histories, or lack of educational credentials.

11%

of people (151,982) in Multnomah & Washington Counties lived in poverty in 2024.

43%

of adults aged 25 years or older do not have an educational credential beyond high school in 2024.

HOW WORKSYSTEMS BUILDS A BETTER SYSTEM

By design, Worksystems does not deliver direct services to job seekers or workers. We serve as a strategic convenercoordinatorinvestorbroker to maximize regional resources and promote the most efficient, accessible, and effective public workforce system.

Delivered locally through WorkSource Portland Metro, these resources provide a foundational set of services to connect people to training, skills, and work, and help regional businesses find the qualified people they need to grow and thrive.

Every dollar counts. We pursue and manage resources and maximize our investments to build a workforce that meets the needs of key industry sectors and creates opportunity for people in our community who need it the most. This work requires broad partnerships, creative thinking, smart policies, and innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of people and businesses. Worksystems is especially focused on supporting community connections to ensure low-income and other unemployed and underemployed populations have the opportunities and skills to fill quality regional jobs.

By working together, our economy, pool of homegrown talent, and competitive edge grow. We are focused on progress, not perfection, and strive to:

Key Programs

White WorkSource Portland MetroLogo
WORKSOURCE PORTLAND METRO
Layoff Aversion & Transition Assistance
Aligned Partner Network
Grants and Initiatives

By the Numbers

Data provided by Oregon Employment Department

Worksystems breaks down barriers by streamlining processes, reducing duplication of efforts, and making training funds and resources more accessible. We believe in continuous improvement and regularly engage with our partners and peers to listen and learn and look for better ways to achieve our shared goals.

By aligning services and resources we ensure that all employersjob seekersworkerseducation providers can easily access what they need to succeed, leading to long-term economic growth and stronger community partnerships.

From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, the Regional System served

63,544

regional job seekers and workers

15%

were low income and need support to enter living-wage jobs

13%

experienced additional socio-economic barriers such as limited English proficiency, being a single parent, homelessness, or prior justice involvement

7%

reported having a disability

41%

were placed in a job with an average hourly wage of more than $31

Real-life Impact

Stories From Our Community

Travis Kennedy faced unemployment when the construction business he worked in slowed down and he was laid off. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, increasing competition and reducing job opportunities, especially in construction and manufacturing where Travis had prior experience.  

Travis learned about a WorkEx program delivered by WorkSource Portland Metro through his brother-in-law, who had successfully obtained a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with its help. The program offers career guidance, training, and job placement support, which led Travis to enroll in CDL Class A truck driving training. He used the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) to secure additional funding for tuition and certify his workplace skills. 

Despite initial concerns about his lack of formal education, Travis received strong support from his career advisor who helped him prepare with practice tests, leading to the successful completion of NCRC assessments.  

WorkEx provided partial tuition funding for his training at Elite Truck School, with additional costs supplemented by NCRC and STEP grants. Shortly after completing the program, Travis secured a full-time job as a Commercial Driver Class B at Westside Redi-Mix. He acknowledges the positive impact of his employment not only on himself but also on his family. 

Looking ahead, Travis plans to advance his career by pursuing a CDL Class A position, demonstrating his commitment to growth in the truck driving industry. His success story shows how targeted training and dedicated support can help individuals overcome barriers and achieve meaningful career outcomes. Travis wholeheartedly recommends WorkSource Portland Metro to other job seekers, emphasizing its effectiveness in facilitating career transitions. 

Additional Resources

WorkSource Portland Metro (for Job Seekers)
WorkSource Oregon
QualityInfo
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act