OWIB Manufacturing Committee Gets Results

The Manufacturing Committee of the Oregon Workforce Investment Board has implemented its Plan of Action. Based on input from key stakeholders across Oregon, the Plan identified several priority challenge areas that impact ALL manufacturers across ALL industries and a strategic action plan to address each challenge area. The Committee has some results to report.
Workforce Challenge/Strategic ActionResults
Lack of Foundation Skills among New and Current Workers. Action: Promote adoption of the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCCRC) among Oregon manufacturers
  • Showcased four Oregon manufacturers that use the NCRC as part of their hiring process. Click here to see Spotlight profiles.
  • Identified benefits to manufacturers of using the NCRC. Click here to see an overview of perceived benefits
Negative Image/Too Few Workers in the Pipeline. Action: Identify and promote models of innovative engagement between manufacturers and education/ training providers
  • Identified fifteen examples of Promising Partnerships in operation across Oregon designed to enhance career awareness and build critical skills.
  • Promoted proven-effective Promising Partnerships so regions do not have to “reinvent the wheel.”
Lack of Skills among Current Workers to Promote a Green Business Agenda. Action: Promote training models that address the lean/clean/green agenda, with a focus on energy efficiency
  • Developed a Network Consortia Model, in partnership with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and the Energy Trust of Oregon to promote energy efficiency among small and mid-sized manufacturers and build incumbent worker skills.
Need to address the Skills Gap: Available Technical Positions Going Unfilled by Available Workers. Action: Target high-demand occupations and align training with validated industry-standards.

Next Steps

The Oregon Workforce Investment Board remains committed to promoting and supporting manufacturing workforce development across the state. A strong manufacturing base is critical to the state’s economy – and Oregon manufacturers need workers with the skills necessary to give them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

As the OWIB organizes in support of its next Strategic Plan, the current Committee structure is phasing out and a new structure will take its place. Stay tuned – and may thanks to all who contributed to the success of the Manufacturing Committee work over the past several years!!!