business backgrounder | education & workforce
Finding the Workforce of Now
The AWB Institute ’ s Workforce Portal offers win-win solution for employers and students seeking internships .
Michelle Hege
The Washington Workforce Portal is an online tool that ’ s helping address the state ’ s workforce gaps by making it easier for employers to find students interested in internships , apprenticeships , job shadowing mentorships — and vice versa .
At A Glance
For most employers , finding qualified workers is a significant challenge .
The Washington Workforce Portal , established by the AWB Institute , is an online tool that allows employers to find intern and apprentice candidates .
The portal is free and available to any Washington state business .
Pilot projects are underway in Clark , Pierce , Spokane , Thurston ,
Benton and Franklin counties .
Within the decade , Washington state ’ s population is set to grow by an estimated 700,000 people , meaning more than 8.5 million people will call our state home and nearly 4.5 million will be looking to build their careers here . Much of Washington ’ s past population growth can be credited to people moving here from out of state — drawn by strong career prospects and quality of life .
At the same time , Washington faces a growing skills gap : jobs are being left unfilled as employers struggle to find qualified candidates and young people struggle to find careers they ’ re prepared to pursue . To keep pace with projected growth , ensure our state remains economically vibrant , and equip young people for the jobs of the future , this skills gap must be closed .
AWB Institute ’ s Washington Workforce Portal aims to do just that , offering a win-win solution to employers and internship-seekers . This statewide platform connects students attending high school , 2-year and 4-year public and private colleges and technical schools with employers offering
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