EvCC partners with Workforce Snohomish to strengthen retail industry career services in Snohomish County
Press Release
Date: Sept. 7, 2016
Contacts: Kathleen Lefcourt, Workforce Snohomish Director of Communications & Development, Kathleen.Lefcourt@WorkforceSnohomish.org or 425-921-3482
Ryan Davis, EvCC Dean of Business and Applied Technology, RDavis@Everettcc.edu or 425-388-9212
EvCC partners with Workforce Snohomish to strengthen retail industry career services in Snohomish County
EVERETT, Wash. - Workforce Snohomish will receive a $314,000 grant from The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership as part of an effort to increase the economic mobility of workers in retail and adjacent sectors in Snohomish County and around the U.S.
The grant allows Workforce Snohomish to partner with Everett Community College to develop a career pathway and Retail Management Certificate program that culminates in an industry recognized credential. The grant also funds a Retail Employment Navigator position at Workforce Snohomish to help recruit students into the program, coordinate work experiences, and convene an employer Advisory Board. The Retail Management Program includes on-the-job training and paid work experiences.
“We met with our Retail Advisory Board last week,” stated Erin Monroe, Chief Executive Officer at Workforce Snohomish, “employers were really excited about the program and want access to these students right away. Employers have told us it’s difficult to fill all of the retail positions available so Workforce Snohomish is thrilled to be able to provide this new opportunity in our community.”
Members of the Retail Advisory Board include representatives from Fred Meyer, Costco, Everett Mall, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walgreens, Nike Factory Store, PCC Natural Markets, CVS Pharmacy, Coach Outlet, and Bartell Drugs.
In working with employers, Workforce Snohomish has identified key gaps in the retail workforce. This grant will help entry level job seekers secure employment in retail positions; work with retailers to identify employees that may need additional education and/or training to move into higher level positions; and promote retail as a viable long-term career option with family wage earning potential.
Glen Bachman, General Manager of the Everett Mall acknowledged, “There is a constant need to increase the skills of our retail workforce to enhance the guest experience. At the same time, there is also a need for our Sales Associates working in retail to see potential promotion opportunities throughout their careers.”
This specialized program in Retail Management offered by Workforce Snohomish and EvCC to Eduployment participants and other low-income, unemployed adults will begin Sept. 6 and continue for 10 weeks at EvCC. This group will receive support services from Workforce Snohomish and EvCC unique to their needs. Courses include business, customer service and computer literacy. The goal is to have enrolled students employed in retail positions this holiday season. Students will then have the option to continue their education or work.
Housing Hope’s Eduployment program is open to individuals in households experiencing homelessness or poverty. The program facilitates career pathways through education, employment readiness training, work experience and employment. Eduployment is a collaboration that includes several community partners. This group was identified by EvCC and Workforce Snohomish to benefit from the new Retail Management program because of employer needs in our community.
Snohomish County has over 2,000 retailers resulting in $6.3 billion in taxable retail sales in 2015. The 2015 Washington State Employment Security Department Gap Analysis indicated a significant gap in the supply of appropriate candidates to fill open positions. Employers are especially concerned about recruiting qualified applicants to fill critical upcoming holiday positions.
Workforce Snohomish is a business-led governing group charged with preparing, supporting, and growing the current and future workforce of Snohomish County. The objective of the Workforce Snohomish board is to inform, align, and advance education, government, business, labor, industry, and community services to work collaboratively to address workforce needs.