Oregon City, ORE. Oregon City Economic Development officials announced that another local business, one at the cutting edge of their industry, has signed up as the newest Talent Ready partner.
Local knife manufacturer Benchmade is the latest on the growing list of companies, non-profits and service organizations that have joined forces with the City’s workforce development program.
“It’s definitely a true win win for our business and the community in which we operate,” said Benchmade’s Director of HR and Organizational Development Meliessa Ogrodowski.
The partnership is designed to help people who are looking for work to be “Talent Ready” for the many job opportunities that are not filled with area businesses. Companies that have signed up for Talent Ready will work with a network of human resources organizations to prepare individuals for work at one of Talent Ready’s workforce partners like Benchmade.
“Talent Ready is a unique program that helps remove barriers to block people from gaining the employment they need. It goes beyond job training, but addresses other issues that people have, from childcare, transportation, mental health, or addiction, and helps remove those problems from the equation, said Economic Development Director James Graham. “The result is a win-win for our community. Residents can obtain the jobs they want, and our local businesses get an improved workforce,” he said.
With Benchmade joining Willamette Falls Medical Center which signed up earlier this year, the program is now partnered with the city’s two largest private employers, employing more 1,100 people.
“A core value of ours at Benchmade is ‘Community Driven – as a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.’ We can’t think of a better way to manifest this core value than by partnering with Talent Ready Oregon City to enable local residents to work on their employment readiness for a fulfilling and rewarding career at Benchmade,” said Ogrodowski.
Network human resource partners and education institutions include Oregon City School District, Oregon State University Extension, Worksource Clackamas and the Oregon Department of Human Services – Employment Training Navigators, among others.
Local residents looking to improve their job situation can sign up on the Talent Ready website. They will be connected with a Talent Ready Navigator, a job coach that will provide customized support and connect them with the appropriate resources needed that can help them get their new job. The service is free for all Oregon City residents.
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