Workforce Development
Chronic unemployment and underemployment remains persistently high in Oregon's African American community. Statistics show that African Americans have experienced crisis levels of employment since the 1970s – currently around 18%. This past year the League's Workforce Development Program continued its commitment to prepare African Americans for the ever expanding field of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Oregon is leading the nation in this expanding field of "green jobs" and the Urban League is working to make sure that all Oregonians are able to partake in this growing field.
Our Pathways Out of Poverty - Green Careers Training Program trains and provides career support to individuals entering the green job field. This support enables people who face challenges entering the job market access to careers in construction and retrofit, renewable electric power, green manufacturing and other emerging green markets. Last year this program served 45 job seekers.
Another 75 job seekers were served in the Urban League's Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Training Program. The HVAC program provides training, case management and career support and vision for individuals through our partnership with the Portland Development Commission's Equal Opportunity Initiative and Portland Community College. Through our partnerships we have been able to helpover 200 job seekers gain skills, knowledge and a career vision in a challenging economic climate and, ultimately, jobs.
The League's commitment goes further thanthose looking in the existing job market but those whowill need these skills a few years from now. Through partnerships with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Parks and Youth Employment Institute, the League has helped placehigh schoolers looking for summer opportunities andexposure to future careers. Our Ready to Work, Ready for Life Program helped encourage career explorationand provide training to prepare high school students to enter the workforce with the skills to succeed.
For more information please contact Debra Lindsay at dlindsay@ulpdx.org or at 503-280-2600 ext. 640
