Adult Workforce Development

Prosper Portland, in collaboration with Worksystems, Inc. (WSI), funds youth and adult workforce development programs for low-income Portlanders, helping them to better connect and compete in the regional economy. Worksystems administers the workforce development programs through a network of service providers.

The Economic Opportunity Program

The Economic Opportunity Program has adult workforce development providers that deliver supportive and individually tailored workforce development services. The program targets low-income Portland residents, age 18 and older, who face multiple barriers to employment.

Eligible participants have an immediate goal of becoming employed, and engage in coaching, skill development and training in order to achieve career pathway employment. In addition to this system of providers, WSI makes resources, support and training available to EOP participants through Worksource Portland Metro (WSPM). Service length is individually tailored with a typical participant in service for approximately three years.

Program Details

Services

Services to adults include:

Individual career plan development
Individualized vocational case management
Career exploration
Work readiness training
Work experience placement and support
Job search assistance and placement
Retention and advancement supports after job placement

Additional services through Worksource Portland Metro include:

Contextualized, cohort‐based adult education
Job readiness courses
Sector-based bridge training
Short‐term vocational training leading to employer-recognized certificates
Occupational skills training leading to employer‐recognized certificates
Pre-apprenticeship programs and other targeted sector-based occupational training
Internships
On-the‐job training
Individualized job placement for certain industries and participants