Workforce
Grays Harbor County offers a ready-to-go workforce with a solid work ethic. Unemployment normally averages 9%, yielding a skilled workforce with the desire to work.
A workforce unemployed/underemployed skills study for the 5-County Pacific Mountain region of Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston was completed in June 2010. Here are it's key findings:
- The 5-County Pacific Mountain Region, referred to in this report as the labor shed, has a household population of approximately 476,800; a civilian labor force of approximately 233,300; and a pool of approximately 25,300 unemployed persons who are actively seeking work.
- The results of this survey indicate that a new or expanding employer will be able to attract employees from an additional pool of about 40,600 underemployed workers.
- The desired pay rates of the underemployed workers are reasonable when compared to their existing pay rates. The median current pay rate of the underemployed workers is $21.15 per hour, and their median desired pay rate is $22.75 per hour.
- Survey results indicate that the underemployed workers in the labor shed have high levels of experience and skills in office operations and customer service.
- The median desired pay rate of the unemployed workers who are actively seeking work is $12.07 per hour.
- Survey results indicate 2% of the underemployed and 12% of unemployed, actively seeking work individuals have less than a high school degree.
- Approximately 6,500 unemployed individuals in the labor shed who are not actively seeking work would consider re-entering the workforce.
- In total, the 5-County Pacific Mountain Region has approximately 72,400 available workers for new or expanding businesses.
Training
Training Incentives and Support
Grays Harbor County has many standard and customized training and education programs available. Grays Harbor Community College has created many custom programs targeted to individual employer's needs, such as Boat Building and Call Center training.
State funds are available to train employees and candidates for employment, both in the form of wage subsidies during on-the-job training and grants to the college or other institutions for customized training programs. Direct grants to area businesses may be made available that will pay up to 50% of the wages for qualified, full-time trainees for up to a period of three months.
Subsidies
Subsidies are available for on-the-job or customized training for new companies coming to Grays Harbor. The EDC works closely with the local schools, colleges, and community-based service providers to design and fund training that meets each employer's needs.
Training providers include:
Grays Harbor College
WorkSource Grays Harbor
Incentives
Incentives availability for training include:
- Up to 70% of actual training costs through Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and the Workforce Development Council.
- Training materials, space, overhead, and trainer salaries.
- For qualified employees, 100% of on-the-job training costs and up to 50% of trainee wages and pre-employment training costs.
Grays Harbor College
GHC is a two-year community college offering an array of academic courses in a broad range of disciplines leading to an Associate Degree. The College offers many scholarship opportunities as well as financial aid for students. GHC's emphasis is on vocational, technical and professional preparation. The College has formed partnerships with employers to provide customized courses and curriculum to meet their training needs.
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