WWP July 24, 2025 | e-News

Team Oregon Build has been awarded the National Workforce Program of the Year by the NAWDP – National Association of Workforce Development Professionals at its 41st Annual Conference in Virginia Beach, VA!

This national honor celebrates the incredible collaboration powering Team Oregon Build, a statewide initiative connecting students to high-wage, high-demand careers in the skilled trades.

To date, over 5,000 students have participated in the program, in 86 schools across 23 counties, and contributing to the creation of more than 430 transitional housing units, sheds, and other community structures.

Representatives from Lane Workforce Partnership and the Eastern Oregon Workforce Board proudly accepted the award on behalf of the many educators, employers, and workforce partners behind this impact.

A special thank you to the Oregon Department of Education for funding this critical work and helping create hands-on opportunities that change lives and strengthen communities. Together, we’re not just building structures, we’re building futures.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity. It’s a thoughtful gesture that makes a real difference!”

~ Anna Hilts, Manager of Workforce Development and Education at the Willamette Valley Medical Center

In 2022 the Oregon State Legislature passed Future Ready Oregon, a $200 million investment package of funding for workforce investment across the state. Prosperity 10,000 was included in Future Ready Oregon and has allowed local workforce development boards to invest directly into their local communities by creating more opportunities for workers by removing barriers to education and employment, thereby creating new networks and channels of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth.

We talked to employers in our regions and overwhelmingly, they told us they need help to train the next generation of leadership and supervisors in their organizations. Leaders set the tone at work, shape organizational culture, and inspire teams. They model accountability, encourage innovation, and guide individuals in leveraging their skills.

In the next few summer editions of WWP’s e-News, we will be featuring the three recipients of our leadership and supervisorial training grant. In this edition, we’re highlighting Chemeketa Community College’s Customized Training.

Chemeketa Community College is offering a free, non-credit Supervisory and Leadership training program to help employees and job seekers develop essential leadership skills for career advancement.

The 18-hour training is tailored for individuals in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties who are looking to reskill and upskill for leadership roles in key industries, including Manufacturing, Hospitality, Healthcare, Construction, Warehousing, Distribution, and Technology.

During their first cohort this spring, Chemeketa had 30 people enrolled, with 27 folks on the waiting list. Attendees represented various industry sectors: healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, distribution and hospitality. They also had attendees who worked at non profit organizations along with a few enrolled college students.

This fall Chemeketa plans to offer this training in Spanish. If you know a job seeker looking to step into a leadership role, or an employer who needs to upskill their current staff, please refer them to this amazing training program! Proudly funded by Willamette Workforce Partnership, this free Chemeketa leadership and supervisorial training helps strengthen our region’s workforce and economy.

What the Training Includes

• Practical content relevant to multiple industrial sectors
• Three distinct levels of training, with certificates awarded at each level
• Stackable credentials that may count as credit for completed learning
• Support services: career advising, planning, and access to basic needs

How to Register

Contact Lori McCauley at the Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry:

• [email protected]
• 503-316-3239