Workforce Development Hub

Through the Convergence Collaborative, ESDA is building a Workforce Development Hub that builds partnerships between existing workforce development and training programs at Everett Community College, WSU Everett, WorkSource Everett, and neighborhood businesses that need workers.

By building a workforce pipeline through internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships, we hope to meet the needs of our businesses while providing socioeconomic opportunity and advancement for Everett residents. This approach will position participants for job readiness and placement opportunities for job-seekers — and hiring businesses to connect with qualified applicants.

In 2023, ESDA contracted the Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) to develop a workforce program model and conduct a needs assessment to assess the current workforce gaps in the Everett Station District. The program model will be tailored to the unique business landscape that exists in the District.

Workforce Needs in the Everett Station District:

  • Businesses need access to technical assistance services to improve hiring and retention among their workforce.

  • Skills-trade employers need a foundational training program to hire entry-level workers that meet their business needs.

  • Healthcare job seekers need an on-ramp into the vast array of middle and last-mile healthcare and dental programs available.

  • Hospitality job seekers face barriers moving up the career pathway to jobs and occupations that require language, technology, and post-secondary credentials.

The Workforce Hub is still in the development phase. If you would like to learn more or get involved in the Workforce Workgroup, contact Rachel Holloway, Neighborhood Services Program Manager, at rachel@everettstationdistrict.com.

Project Announcements & Events

Coming soon…

Small Business Development & Grant Opportunities

Everett Community College Worker Retraining Program — EvCC works in partnership with the Employment Security Department to provide job training for unemployed or underemployed workers who wish to upgrade their skills or train for a new career.

Snohomish County Small Business Innovation Assistance Program — Through the Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) Program, Ventures will launch a full toolkit of services including business training, one-on-one coaching, loans, grants, and access to market opportunities to support small businesses in Snohomish County. Visit their website to learn more about their Business Basics Course and other programs.

Workforce Snohomish Business Engagement Team — Workforce Snohomish engages with businesses on the industry-level to understand local workforce needs and challenges, such as attracting, developing, and retaining skilled employees. The overarching goal of this engagement is to align education, government, and other community resources to ensure a skilled, job-ready workforce is available to meet employers’ needs.

Learn more and schedule a consultation here: BET Consultation Flyer.

Washington Small Business Credit Initiative — The goals of the Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs are to promote entrepreneurship, support small business ownership, and increase the flow of capital in underserved communities. A portion of all program funding is targeted towards Very Small Businesses (VSB) and businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI). Visit the website to learn more and see if you qualify for program funding.

WA Workforce Professionals Center — The Workforce Professionals Center provides a single website for workforce-development data, resources, policies, and events across Washington state.