WWP January 21, 2026 | e-News
A New Year and New Beginnings – This month, join us for a series of stories focused on reentry in the region…
The Emerging Welding Program – Reducing Recidivism Through Partnerships
Each year, between 4,000 and 5,000 individuals are released from Oregon’s prison system and return to their communities. These returning citizens are eager to rebuild their lives, but often face systemic barriers, especially when it comes to finding meaningful employment. Returning citizens are defined as a priority population for workforce development in Oregon, and provide a significant opportunity to serve more people in our workforce, by connecting employers with a willing and capable talent pool eager to work and contribute.
With this opportunity in mind, a powerful new partnership has emerged to reshape the future for individuals reentering society. Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP), in collaboration with Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) Reentry Services and Chemeketa Community College, is proud to support the Emerging Welders Program, which offers manufacturing education and workforce training to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals who live in Marion, Polk, Yamhill or Linn counties.
MWVCAA Reentry Services combines hands-on training and trauma-informed support, with employment navigation to support individuals as they guide them on a second-chance path toward meaningful, well-paying jobs. Once these individuals are “classroom ready” Chemeketa takes the reigns and provides the 22-week credential-based training tailored for adult learners. Chemeketa already operated a structured, successful welding program with reporting, compliance, and tracking to support this new program. Participants are also connected to additional resources through WorkSource Oregon, ensuring continued access to career services and upskilling.
MWVCAA has launched several training cohorts so far in 2025 and will track their progress through June 2026, when the Future Ready Oregon funds expire. With an emphasis on job placement, wage outcomes, and long-term retention, it’s a second chance strategy that advances workforce development in our region and contributes to the region’s economic prosperity.
This summer, Jonathan completed the Emerging Welding Program at Chemeketa. Jonathan states,
“My accomplishments so far would be completing the welding classes at Chemeketa Community College. I took the welding certification test and the week after was able to interview for a welding job. I passed their welding certification test and receive [sic] a job offer.”
According to Jonathan,
“I wanted to join the program because I have a record and it’s been hard to find a decent job with a record. Also, because I became a father and my son’s birth pushed me to want to better myself and to be better for him. I want to be able to provide [sic] for him and give him a good life.”
Since successfully completing the program, Jonathan secured full-time employment with a manufacturing company in Woodburn, specializing in horizontal welding. Seven out of the eight folks in Jonathan’s cohort passed their certification tests. Manufacturing trades, and specifically welding, offer a clear pathway to economic mobility and long-term stability. MWCAA is currently serving 15 emerging welders and WWP looks forward to hearing more success stories like Jonathan’s.
Level All – An online resource for
partners who work with jobseekers
We have exciting news to share! WWP is partnering with Level All for free access to career exploration tools and skill-building resources. You can learn more about Level All below and watch this video for an introduction to Level All’s services.
We will have a training on January 28th at 11 AM to introduce partner staff to Level All. We will also record the training for partner staff who are unable to attend to review later. Please sign up by January 27th to receive the meeting invitation link to join the training. After the training, you will be granted access to Level All as “educators,” where you can set up your job seekers for success and assign them relevant content. Use this link to sign up:
https://forms.monday.com/
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the training.
