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Skills2Compete-Oregon.

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In partnership with National Skills Coaltion, the Skills2Compete-Oregon campaign seeks to raise awareness of the need to train Oregon residents for middle-skill jobs, which require more than high school but less than a four-year degree. These jobs make up the largest portion of Oregon’s labor market. Prior to the recession, Oregon was already experiencing shortages of middle-skill workers in crucial industries. With high unemployment throughout the nation, this is precisely the time to ensure Oregon is training the middle-skill workforce that will be critical to economic recovery and long-term success.

Major Efforts

As part of National Skills Coalition’s Skills2Compete fly-in, representatives from S2C-OR met with members of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation in Washington, DC, to discuss report findings in November 2009.

On March 12, 2009, the Skills2Compete-Oregon campaign testified before the Oregon House Committee on Business and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Development. Campaign advisors testified that the best way to meet the demand for middle-skill jobs in Oregon is to guarantee access to at least two years of education or training past high school. The following week, campaign advisors also testified before the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee.