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Workforce development
In partnership with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, we’re committed to building a resilient, equitable and future-ready workforce across King County—because thriving people make thriving economies.
The Workforce Development Council (WDC) of Seattle-King County is a nonprofit organization driving regional strategies to create a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient workforce system. We bring together public, private, and community partners to remove barriers, align resources, and support economic opportunity for all—especially those furthest from it.
We serve as the local workforce development board under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and we operate as a regional backbone organization: convening stakeholders, shaping policy, and investing in solutions that reflect community needs and priorities.
Why we focus on workforce development
A region’s economy is only as strong as the people who do the work. Supporting workers—especially those historically excluded from opportunity—and aligning them with growth-oriented employers is fundamental to economic justice, business competitiveness and community strength.
- Promote access to quality, family-sustaining jobs so more residents have real pathways to economic mobility.
- Align training and talent with business needs so local employers find the skilled workforce they need to grow and stay here.
- Advance equity and inclusion by removing barriers—such as language, transportation, childcare or justice-system impacts—and ensuring that growth benefits all communities.
- Prepare for the future of work by championing high-road practices, digital and technical skills, and lifelong learning systems.
Our services for workers and employers
Working alongside the WDC, OEOCE provides coordinated services tailored to both individuals and businesses in the workforce ecosystem:
Individual career pathways
Guided support for job-seekers—covering skills assessment, training programs, credentialing, placement, and retention supports.
Employer-engaged workforce solutions
Targeted services to help employers recruit, retain and upskill talent; design inclusive workplaces; and build internal pipelines.
Partnerships with training providers
Aligning colleges, apprenticeships, community organizations and industry partnerships so that training leads to real jobs.
Equity-centered design and wrap-around support
Integrating services that address transportation, childcare, digital access, language and other barriers so no one is left behind.
Data, insights, and systems work
Using regional labor-market intelligence and disaggregated data to track improvements in job quality, wages, advancement, and equity outcomes.
How our partnership model works
Our approach is thoughtful, collaborative and responsive—anchored by the WDC as a regional backbone partner and integrated into the OEOCE architecture to ensure seamless support and alignment:
Single-point business and worker engagement
Whether you’re a business looking to hire or a jobseeker looking for a career, you reach the right team once and get connected to the right resources.
Cross-sector coordination
OEOCE, WDC, training providers, employers, workforce boards and community-based organizations work together so systems aren’t siloed, and support is efficient.
After-care and advancement
Our work doesn’t end at placement. We support career advancement, retention and employer follow-through to ensure long-term success.