business backgrounder | education & workforce
“ There are going to be about 740,000 open jobs across the state in the next five years , and we have the people here who can fill them .”
— Cassidy Peterson , Greater Spokane Inc .
summer , the AWB Institute launched the Washington Workforce Portal to help . The online platform , which is currently being piloted in Spokane and the Tri-Cities , connects students and employers by facilitating internship opportunities . Employers can post available internships , which students can easily search , and students can create profiles and upload resumes , which employers can review . Schools and educators also can access the portal and help students find on-the-job learning opportunities .
Traci McGlathery , director of community relations at Spokane Teachers Credit Union ( STCU ), notes that it ’ s not just students who benefit from internships . STCU recently posted an opportunity for a brand marketing internship on the Washington Workforce Portal .
“ We learn a ton from the students who intern with us ,” McGlathery said . “ They bring a fresh perspective and lens to our work , and we ’ ve recalibrated multiple times based on their feedback . Interns are truly an integral part of our team .”
intern local , stay local
One of the goals of the Washington Workforce Portal is ensuring local talent stays local . Too often , young people born , raised and educated in Washington leave the state once it comes time to start their careers .
“ There are great opportunities right here in Washington state , and specifically in Spokane ,” said Cassidy Peterson , director of education and talent at Greater Spokane Inc . ( GSI ), the region ’ s business development organization .
At the same time , employers recruit employees from out of state without recognizing the expertise in their own backyard .
“ As a community , we invest in our residents from the time they ’ re kids . It ’ s important that we continue to invest in them and that we ensure we ’ re not leaving anyone behind ,” Peterson said . “ There are going to be about 740,000 open jobs across the state in the next five years , and we have the people here who can fill them .”
GSI was eager to partner with the AWB Institute on the portal ’ s pilot program after recognizing the opportunity to strengthen the connection between educators and employers .
“ There are other tools out there students can use to find internships , but they aren ’ t local , and they aren ’ t supported by local employers and local educators ,” Peterson said . “ During the pandemic , more people are recognizing and leaning into the strength of their local communities . We wanted to help build on that momentum and create a one-stop shop .”
Launching an internship service during a global pandemic is far from ideal . Many employers are struggling with how to offer virtual internships ; others are putting internships on hold . Colleges are unsure how to determine course credit for nontraditional internships . But despite these uncertainties , internships remain important for both students and employers .
“ It ’ s a unique world right now . Internships aren ’ t on top of employers ’ minds ,” said Peterson . “ But at the same time , building a talented workforce is critical for our region ’ s recovery .”
fall / winter 2020 33