Labor Market Research & Analysis

Worksystems provides quality labor market information to staff and partners, analyzes trends in the job market and economy, and identifies outcomes related to our workforce investments.

To guide our work, Worksystems conducts in-house research and analysis on regional labor market data, economic conditions, demographic trends, quality-of-life indicators, and more. This informs our training investments, identifies growing and emerging industries, defines Quality Jobs, and aligns workforce supply with industry demand.

To guide our work, Worksystems conducts in-house research and analysis on regional labor market data, economic conditions, demographic trends, quality-of-life indicators, and more. This informs our training investments, identifies growing and emerging industries, defines Quality Jobs, and aligns workforce supply with industry demand.

This approach ensures our funds are invested for maximum impact, advancing community prosperity and allowing us to adapt to the changing needs of industry.

Regional Reports

Our region is part of the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area (PVMA), home to some of the state’s largest employers, including Nike, Intel, Providence, and OHSU.
Map depicting various counties in Oregon - Wahkiakum, Columbia, Washington, Yamhill, Cowlitz, Clark, Multnomah, Clackamas, Skamania

Worksystems conducts research and writes the following PVMA standing reports. These reports are published every 2 to 4 years. We also produce custom reports for internal and external stakeholders.

2024 Opportunity Youth Report Cover
An estimated 27,200 youth aged 16 to 24 in the Portland-Vancouver region, served by the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC), are neither in school nor working. Supporting these transitioning youth is key to strengthening the local workforce, as past failures to improve their outcomes have led to economic losses and increased pressure on social service programs.

2023 State of Workforce Report Cover
The 2022-2023 State of the Workforce Report comprehensively covers the effects of COVID-19 on the economy, regional demographics, skills supply, demand for workers, and socioeconomic challenges facing the workforce. The report also provides thorough data on the region’s population, race and ethnicity, income, labor force, education, socio-economic wellbeing, commuting, and jobs and industry.

Worksystems employs a Target Sector Strategy to pinpoint workforce investment areas and foster partnerships within critical industries. This approach unites employers, educators, labor, economic development, and community organizations to collaboratively address workforce needs in the regional labor market. By analyzing labor market intelligence and consulting with business partners, we gain insights into industry trends, identify current and emerging workforce needs, and develop tailored solutions for each sector.

Read the Advanced Manufacturing Report

Read the Clean Energy Report

Read the Construction Report

Read the Healthcare Report

2021 Self Sufficiency Report Cover

The Self-Sufficiency Standard for Oregon defines the amount of income necessary to meet the basic needs of Oregon families, differentiated by family type and location. The Standard calculates the costs of six basic needs plus taxes and tax credits. It assumes the full cost of each need, without help from public subsidies (e.g., public housing, Medicaid, or child care assistance) or private/informal assistance (e.g., unpaid babysitting by a relative or friend, food from food banks, or shared housing).

dashboards

Dashboards play a crucial role in monitoring program performance and ensuring alignment with our priorities, values, and strategic goals.