OETA2024-01-12T20:23:25+00:00

Oregon Employment & Training Association

OETA’s new beginning

OregonETA has offered leadership opportunities and professional development through membership for many years. Benefits include a wide array of training including credits for Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC), Continuing Education Unit (CEU), and Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP). In addition, OETA presented several workforce-related trainings each year and has historically hosted a RoadShow, and a yearly Rendezvous for Workforce Professionals. OETA recognizes Workforce Professionals around the State by presenting awards to those who make significant contributions to the field of Workforce Development.

In 2022, OWP took over the operations of OETA and is in the process of revitalizing membership opportunities and providing relevant training statewide and across sectors. Stay tuned for more OETA opportunities!

FAQs

Oregon’s Trucking Crisis FAQs2024-12-06T19:54:41+00:00

The trucking industry employs 1 in 16 Oregonians and transports 90.9% of the state’s manufactured goods. However, a looming nationwide driver shortage of 160,000 by 2028 poses a significant risk to Oregon, where 77% of communities rely solely on trucks for goods transportation. Increased funding for CDL training is vital to address this shortage, sustain supply chains, and support economic resilience.

Many aspiring CDL drivers encounter high training costs ($5,200–$6,000), limited program availability, and associated expenses such as commuting and vehicle maintenance. The proposed $8.2 million funding allocation will reduce these barriers by:

•Offering scholarships for training.

•Covering commuting and vehicle maintenance costs.

•Providing wrap-around services, including rent assistance.

The funding will support local workforce boards in partnering with CDL training providers to:

•Increase training capacity by adding program seats.

•Reduce entry barriers through financial and logistical support.

•Enhance outreach to underrepresented groups for recruitment.

•Provide job placement assistance by collaborating with local employers.

The funding will:

•Train more CDL drivers to meet growing state demand.

•Strengthen supply chains and support local businesses.

•Create sustainable career opportunities for underserved communities.

•Ease access to training for individuals facing financial challenges.

Previous efforts show that 83% of graduates secured employment, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.

The proposal is endorsed by organizations such as the Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) and the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board. These endorsements emphasize the critical need for funding to sustain Oregon’s economy, particularly in rural areas. Allocating $8.2 million to expand CDL training will address workforce shortages, reduce barriers, and support economic growth.

WorkSource Reentry FAQs2024-11-19T21:04:17+00:00

Using DOCs release planning model, Oregon Workforce Partnership and the Oregon Employment Department (through a US Dept of Labor grant) have implemented WorkSource Centers in all of Oregon’s 12 state correctional facilities.

Oregon’s Department of Corrections, currently, provides release planning services to interested individuals, which can include educational services, housing placements, etc. The Oregon Employment Department and Local Workforce Boards, currently, collaborate on employment placement services using WorkSource (the state’s training and employment assistance program) within communities.

  • The state of Oregon will see increased revenue from this employment, lower recidivism rates, and citizens further invested in their communities. An investment of $3 million will allow OED, OWP, and DOC to expand WorkSource reentry services to ALL Oregon state correctional facilities.

WorkSource Oregon Reentry services provide, and leverage, a range of employment specific service:

  • Work preparation services like developing a resume, cover letter, and interview practice
  • Training and education services
  • Job search and placement assistance
  • Financial literacy and budgeting classes
  • Computer skills

Rapid attachment to meaningful employment is significantly correlated with reduced recidivism and investing in
expansion of the WorkSource Reentry program will support:

  • 650 individuals, annually, as they transition into gainful employment upon release
  • Aim to reduce the annual recidivism rate by 13%
  • Save Oregon taxpayers over $3 million within the program’s initial span
    • Housing Oregon’s inmates costs $38,000 (annually, per inmate), WorkSource Reentry achieves
      reintegration and employment connections for a one-time cost of just $5,000 per person.
Prosperity Programs FAQs2024-11-04T20:41:44+00:00

Local Workforce Boards have a scalable, big-tent approach that connects the strengths of local community-based, education, business and other partners with services offered through the public workforce system. This broad and scalable approach is implemented through established networks of local partners that provide start-to-finish career coaching services including outreach, referral to skill development and training opportunities, and referral to wraparound support services that enable participation and success.

A large share of low-income workers who have lost their jobs need support meeting their basic needs while going through training and placement to re-career. This means providing paid internships, paid community service work, stipends, and other income supports in conjunction with occupational training and placement into middle-income career opportunities. Services Include: Paid Internships, Cohort-Based Occupational Training, Training Stipends, Scholarships, Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, On-the-Job Training, Current Worker Training, and Registered Apprenticeships.

Wrap-around supports, including childcare, housing, and behavioral health support, are needed to enable people navigating poverty to participate in programs that will help them re-engage in the workforce. We must provide childcare support for people navigating poverty with young children otherwise the high cost and limited access to childcare will prohibit them from going through a training program and starting a new job. We must provide housing placement and eviction prevention for people who no longer have an income to pay their rent, otherwise the impacts of homelessness will greatly reduce their ability to get back into a new job and career. And we must provide supports such as mental health and substance use treatment as we help people return to new careers after the traumatizing impacts of the pandemic. Services include: Rental Assistance, Childcare, Utilities payment support, Computer and Internet Access, Transportation, Mental Health, Alcohol & Drug Treatment, Household Assistance Work, Related Clothing, and Tools. Local Workforce Boards coordination with the WSO system and distribute resources to community-based organizations, education entities, and other local partners with a requirement to serve BIPOC, women, young-workers, rural residents, and others most impacted by COVID -19. Services and outcomes are be tracked and reported using the existing statewide workforce data and reporting system (I-Trac). All data are disaggregated by race, gender, and geography.

Technical Assistance FAQ’s2024-10-01T21:41:31+00:00
  • Workforce Boards
  • Contracted sub-recipients
  • Workforce development partners
  • Nonprofits
  • State Associations
  • State workforce agencies
  • WIOA administrators

We can implement automated reporting systems that streamline data collection and enhance accuracy, ensuring on-time submissions.

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Click to Toggle FAQs2024-07-15T17:37:39+00:00

Our conference is dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s workforce landscape! This conference is a crucial platform for fostering effective partnerships and reimagining the intersection of education and work to empower Oregonians with the skills needed to drive the state’s economic growth. Organized by the Oregon Workforce Partnership, this conference is set to make a lasting impact on the future of workforce development in the region.

The Riverhouse at the Deschutes, 3075 N Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97703.

Our reserved block at the Riverhouse has been sold out.

Red Lion Inn, 15 NE Butler Market Rd, Bend, OR 97703

We have a small block of rooms at the Red Lion that will not last long!

We recommend finding your own accommodations directly with the hotels or seeking out an Airbnb or VRBO.

The conference aims to bring together an eclectic mix of participants, including:

  • Oregon business leaders
  • Educators and education administrators
  • Public agency executives
  • Community-based organizations
  • Elected officials
  • Workforce professionals

Plan to be comfortable and in business casual attire. Please be mindful of the weather in Bend during January.

Exploring Best Practices: Delve into local, state, and national best practices that are shaping the landscape of workforce development. Engage in discussions that promote collaboration and innovation.

Emerging Workforce Trends: Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the workforce sector. Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the evolving needs of Oregon’s workforce.

Innovative Solutions: Discover groundbreaking solutions that are revolutionizing the way we approach workforce challenges. Embrace innovative strategies that bridge the gap between education and industry.

Early bird registration is $345. Regular registration is $445 per person.

All meals are complementary, including the reception on the evening of day 1. Breakfast and snacks will be provided on the final day of the conference.

Tickets are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another person attending in your place.

Yes! Please contact Georgia Conrad, at georgia@oregonworkforcepartnership.org for more information regarding sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities.

Yes, we will have a program for conference attendees to use during the conference as well as an accompanying conference app.

Yes! Just as your organization changes yearly, so does the WORKing Together Conference to meet ever-changing needs. This year’s conference is in-person and better than ever! We will showcase engaging workshops, dynamic exhibitors, networking opportunities, and statewide leaders in workforce. Come to learn and have fun too!

Be prepared and download the event app ahead of time! Stay up to date, connect with other attendees and visit our exhibitors all from the app.

Google Play

Apple Store

What about CWDP Opportunities?2023-02-01T22:58:32+00:00

Currently, Oregon Workforce Partnership, which oversees OETA operations, is in conversation with the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) to be able to offer NAWDP membership and CWDP credits/certification through OETA. This is still in development, but we hope to provide this opportunity to OETA members by June 2023. In the meantime, you can sign up for OETA updates online, which will keep you up-to-date on upcoming events, online resources, and new OETA offerings, including certificate and learning badges for workforce development professionals and other social service providers. You can sign up for updates at: https://oregonworkforcepartnership.org/oeta/

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We are excited to continue the legacy of OETA! To stay up to date on trainings and other news, join our email list here.

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