Let’s RE-IMAGINE Workforce INNOVATION.  

“The number one concern across every industry is the ability to find qualified labor. The shortage is pervasive and extends to all positions.”

- Dennis Donovan, principal, WDG Consulting | INDUSTRY WEEK, Adrienne Selko - Jan 22, 2018

WHAT IS OREGON WORKS?

Oregon WORKS is a conglomerate of community wide internship programs found throughout the state of Oregon. Each program focuses on helping both young people find employment and on helping businesses find qualified young professionals. Though different programs throughout Oregon have varied focuses and lead organizations like economic development organizations, community colleges, chambers and more, all Oregon WORKS programs have a few things in common. They all:

  • Are community designed

  • Create a network of interns

  • Provide professional training for interns

  • Are good for interns

  • Are good for companies

  • Are good for communities

Oregon works began when…

The idea began in 2013 when the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership needed a workforce solution to bring talented young workers into their community. To accomplish this task, MEDP convened a group of industry representatives who stated the desire for a community wide internship program. The McMinnville WORKS Internship Program was born. This program proved to be such a valuable resource for young people, local companies, and the community, that in 2017, the team at MEDP was given a grant through the Oregon Talent Commission to create a workshop to teach other communities in Oregon how to create similar programs. In 2017, MEDP taught four workshops to Oregon communities to establish new programs. In 2018, MEDP was approached by The Ford Family Foundation and the Oregon Community Foundation to hold four more workshops in rural Oregon communities. Since 2017, multiple communities in Oregon have started their own WORKS programs. Our goal is to support a robust network of industry-led, community-driven WORKS internship programs throughout the state of Oregon. This network will support each other with best practices, lessons learned, and regular opportunities to connect.

CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE? CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN ABOUT OREGON WORKS AND THE COMMUNITIES MAKING IT HAPPEN.

Since 2017…

  • 9 Oregon WORKS workshops have been held with over 130 total participants

  • 5 community wide internship programs have been created

  • Countless opportunities have been created for young professionals