Local Workforce Boards and Labor Unions

Local workforce boards are actively engaged with their local workforce partners, including Oregon’s public and private sector unions, to develop apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and effective pathways into the labor market. Many workforce boards across Oregon are at the forefront of creating and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in the trades, clean energy, healthcare, and other high-demand sectors. Below are examples of workforce boards that actively support apprenticeship programs, supported by labor representatives and innovative apprenticeship initiatives.

Worksystems is deeply invested in expanding apprenticeship programs across construction, clean energy, and healthcare sectors by partnering with unions, employers, and training providers to create career pathways, placing individuals in skilled trades, growing opportunities in solar and wind energy, and supporting healthcare roles such as medical assisting, with key advocacy from Zenaida Ehrlich, Regional Coordinator at SEIU-UHW.

Rogue Workforce Partnership has been instrumental in connecting apprenticeships with local employers, especially in construction and manufacturing sectors. Their Southern Oregon Apprenticeship and Trades Program has seen a considerable increase in registered apprenticeships, with a focus on diversifying opportunities for underrepresented populations.

Willamette Workforce Partnership works closely with the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council (OSATC) and local employers to develop apprenticeship programs in fields like construction and advanced manufacturing. Over 100 apprentices have been successfully placed into trades, demonstrating the impact of these partnerships.

East Cascades Works actively supports apprenticeships in construction and technical trades, facilitating connections between local businesses and individuals interested in joining the trades. Their Apprenticeship Support Program provides mentorship and financial aid to apprentices, helping them succeed in their careers.

SOWIB is dedicated to fostering apprenticeship opportunities, especially in the maritime industry and healthcare. They offer several active apprenticeship programs, including:

• Early Care and Education Apprenticeship
• Medical Assistant Apprenticeship
• Surgical Technology Apprenticeship

The board benefits from the active leadership of labor representatives like Robert Westerman, Mike Hicks, and Rod Sprinkle, who ensure that the apprenticeships meet both industry needs and workers’ interests.

NOW has developed strong apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Pre-Apprenticeship Program: NOW partners with Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) and the electrical union to offer a pre-apprenticeship program that provides participants with a clear pathway into registered apprenticeships. This is supported by Eric Sherman, the electrical union board representative.

Behavioral Health Apprenticeship: NOW has recently expanded its behavioral health apprenticeship program from focusing on Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) to also include Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA).

Local labor representatives play a crucial role in advocating for and supporting apprenticeship programs across Oregon, while workforce boards drive the development and expansion of these programs in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, and clean energy. Through collaboration with labor unions and educational institutions, they create pathways into high-demand industries, ensuring programs meet industry standards and provide workers with long-term career opportunities.

These labor leaders ensure that apprenticeship programs are responsive to the needs of workers, employers, and industries, supporting the ongoing success of these initiatives.

Clackamas Workforce Partnership
Vanessa Steward; SMART 16
Manuel Contreras; AFSCME

Rogue Workforce Partnership
Lance Corley; IBEW 659
Drew Waits; UA 290
Nick Carpenter; Oregon Building Trades

East Cascades Works
Robbie Smith; IBEW 280
John Hanner; LiUNA 737
Dave Burger; UA 290

Southwestern Oregon Workforce
Investment Board
Robert Westerman; IBEW 932
Mike Hicks; IAMAW 24
Rod Sprinkle; Ironworkers 29

Eastern Oregon Workforce Board
Jeff Gritz; LiUNA 737
Brian Lemke; MW Carpenters
Meridith Hickman; AFSCME

Willamette Workforce Partnership
Mike Ellison; IBEW 280
Shane Nehls

Lane Workforce Partnership
Monica Bielski Boris; AFSCME
Lynn McDonald; IBEW 932
Jeff McGillivray; UA 290

Worksystems Inc.
Kate Baker; AFSCME
Hayley Watson; Oregon Building Trades
Josh Hall; Oregon AFL-CIO

Northwest Oregon Works
Eric Sherman; IBEW 932
Gabe Gurule; IAFF
John Hawkins; SEIU 503
Mario Calderon; LiUNA 737

Workforce Talent & Development Board
Josh Hall; Oregon AFL-CIO
Andy Friedman; United We Heal
Dave Burger; UA 290

Oregon’s workforce boards have strong partnerships with labor representatives and play a vital role in supporting apprenticeship programs across the state. These programs in build a skilled and diverse workforce for Oregon’s future.