Seven counties: Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Columbia, Yamhill, Marion, Polk
Target Industries: Advanced Manufacturing in metals, transportation equipment, computer electronics, and Biotechnology for agriculture chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medicines and medical supplies
The Northern Willamette Valley Transformation WIRED region will implement an initiative to grow the pipeline of a highly skilled advanced manufacturing workforce through:
Connecting schools to employers through work-based learning
Utilizing High Tech U programs to increasing interest of rural youth in science and engineering careers
Establishing industry-driven Regional Work Readiness Certifications
Creating job profiles and related curriculum development
Providing career pathways linked to academic credits and credentials that span secondary to post-secondary and workplace education
Engaging WorkSource Centers with advanced manufacturing workforce strategies
Identifying regional education and training needs and align public and private scholarship funds with priorities