Project partners will transform the regional economy through several strategies that are responsive to the economic landscape and advanced manufacturing employers. At the core of the initiative is the principle that talent development and management is the foundation for economic growth. Strategies are grouped around four main goals: (1) Supporting leadership for regional economic growth; (2) Growing the talent pipeline; (3) Aligning curriculum; and (4) Increasing training opportunities.

(1) Supporting leadership for regional economic growth. Leadership for regional economic growth and transformation will be provided by the Regional Workforce Council composed of workforce, economic development, education, and business representatives. It will oversee project implementation, advocate for public and private support for regional talent development, help align workforce resources across the region, and serve as a forum for transformational approaches to talent development. Regional analysis will inform the Council’s discussions on policy and program development, funding priorities and allocations, and strategic planning. Four related analyses are proposed: value stream mapping; resource mapping; workforce audit; and global context assessment. Each deepens our understanding of the region and together they will enable us to identify key points for alignment and investment.

(2) Growing the talent pipeline. Partners will grow the pipeline of highly skilled workers through four strategies aimed primarily at the emerging workforce: managing school to career experiences; High Tech U; development of a regional work readiness assessment and certification process; and enhancement of WorkSource Oregon’s response to advanced manufacturing.

(3) Aligning curriculum to reduce skills gap. Partners will align curriculum for targeted sectors through three strategies: profiling occupations to develop highly responsive and highly relevant curriculum; building the career pathways roadmap; and re-careering for mature adults.

(4) Increasing training opportunities. Regional workforce partners understand that without a strong commitment to post-secondary training and education, we will not be able to meet advanced manufacturing’s demand for talent. Partnering workforce boards will administer funds supporting ITAs, OJT opportunities, and customized training targeting advanced manufacturing. The Regional Workforce Council will help determine priority training needs.