Introducing the HECC Office of Workforce Investments

We’re pleased to introduce the statewide work of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Workforce Investments. We work to ensure that job-seekers have the skills, work-related training, and supports they need to secure good-paying jobs, and that employers have the workforce they need to thrive. The information here explains our responsibilities and how to reach us if you have questions.

The HECC Office of Workforce Investments (OWI) convenes statewide partnerships and leads strategies and initiatives across the workforce system. Through grants, we invest funds in local workforce development boards, community-based organizations, education providers, and other workforce partners to deliver programs in their communities. Oregonians interested in exploring education and workforce opportunities may visit Access College and Training, including Career and Training Resources.

Workforce System, Programs, and Services

OWI is a key partner in Oregon’s public workforce development system: WorkSource Oregon. As a WorkSource Oregon partner, OWI oversees a number of state- and federally-funded workforce programs, the largest of those being the adult, youth, and dislocated workforce programs authorized by Title I of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

• Visit WorkSource Oregon to get services for job-seekers or employers.
• Watch The Big Picture video to learn more about Oregon’s Workforce System.
  

WIOA partners and training providers can find more information on the Oregon WIOA Title I Implementation page below. This includes policy and guidance for our partners.

Layoff Resources for Workers and Employers

OWI and our partners support workers and employers before, during, and after a layoff. We help support and organize local and statewide efforts to provide services and resources, including career development, workplace skills, and other training opportunities to Oregonians who may be facing a layoff or business closure. We also post notices regarding some impending layoffs.

Oregon Youth Works

OWI oversees several programs that provide paid work experiences to young Oregonians who experience increased barriers to entering the workforce. These programs, under the umbrella of Oregon Youth Works, provide workforce training, career exposure, academic support, and skills to help them find work.

OregonServes and AmeriCorps

OWI houses OregonServes and Oregon’s AmeriCorps State Grant Program. These programs promote volunteerism, national service, and civic engagement in Oregon by awarding grants and providing technical support and leadership. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to local organizations across the state, supporting needs in Oregon communities and supporting the students who gain work experience and funding awards to pay for their future education. Communities benefit from disaster assistance, public land restoration, and many other services.

Advisory Boards and Partners

We support three citizen advisory boards that provide strategic direction for the programs described above. Sign up for public meeting notices here. You can also view meeting details on the web pages for each board.

• Workforce and Talent Development Board
• Oregon Youth Works Advisory Board
• OregonServes Commission

The office is led by Julia Steinberger, director.