About the Quality Jobs Initiative
National research confirms that job quality is a more important indicator of quality of life than income alone. Yet only 40% of workers say they are in a good job. Our Quality Jobs Initiative aims to change that for the workers in our region to improve equitable access to existing good jobs while bringing more good jobs to the region through employer engagement.
In partnership with regional workforce boards in SW Washington and Clackamas County, Worksystems launched an initiative to develop and implement a community-based definition and framework to identify a Quality Job that includes: 1) living wages; 2) worker engagement; 3) predictable hours; 4) comprehensive benefits; 5) accessible hiring and onboarding practices; and 6) Training and advancement opportunities.
For more information about the Quality Jobs Initiative, please visit our website.
Public, private and community-based workforce systems partners all have a role to play in applying this framework to advance quality jobs for our residents.
Quality Jobs in our Targeted Sectors
Using labor market data, Worksystems identified high-growth sectors and targeted occupations that align with our Quality Job definition in (1) advanced manufacturing; (2) clean energy; (3) construction; (4) early childhood education; and (5) healthcare and social assistance. These targeted occupations offer competitive starting wages, employer-sponsored benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Many targeted occupations do not require a degree, and value skills gained through training programs, On-the-Job Training, Registered Apprenticeships, military service and other lived experiences.
Career Coaching services are designed to assist participants in accessing quality job pathways to employment by educating them about Worksystems targeted sectors and targeted occupations. Ongoing guidance and training regarding Career Coaching with an emphasis on job quality and targeted occupations will be provided by Worksystems.
Learn More About Worksystems’ Targeted Sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean Energy
- Construction
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Early Childhood Education
Quality Job Profiles for Targeted Occupations
Worksystems is excited to launch our new “Discovering Quality Jobs” Occupational Profiles, designed to help career coaches and jobseekers identify strong career paths that start with $21/hour wages, offer benefits, and don’t require a degree to get started. Each of these occupations cross our targeted sectors in Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Early Childhood Education, Clean Energy, and Construction.
Each profile includes:
- What makes each occupation a “Quality Job”
- Descriptions and visuals for career exploration
- Real-world employer insights
- How to get started
Quality Job Profiles
- Advanced Manufacturing Technicians
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher
- Electrician
- Peer Worker
To request an introductory training on our Quality Job Profiles – please contact Casey Milligan at [email protected].
How to use the Quality Jobs Framework in Career Coaching
Contracted Career Coaching services are designed to assist participants in accessing quality job pathways to employment by educating them about Worksystems targeted sectors and targeted occupations. Ongoing guidance and training regarding Career Coaching with an emphasis on job quality and targeted occupations will be provided by Worksystems to contracted and non-contracted Career Coaching services.
The Quality Jobs Framework is a tool to support personalized career planning. Career Coaches should use it to guide conversations about job quality and career goals. Not all job opportunities will meet every standard, but they may represent critical steps toward a quality career. Coaches play a key role in helping participants recognize quality jobs, set long-term goals, and continue progressing on their employment journey.
Understanding the Quality Jobs Framework and Definitions
| Living Wages | Jobs that pay enough to meet basic needs, considering location and family size. Wages alone do not indicate Quality Jobs; other standards must be considered alongside. |
| Worker Engagement | Jobs that include worker voice through internal channels or union representation. |
| Predictable Hours | Jobs offering clear, reliable scheduling—whether part-time, full-time, flexible, seasonal, or with overtime options |
| Comprehensive Benefits | Jobs with employer-supported benefits like healthcare, paid leave, and retirement plans, ideally with employer cost-sharing. |
| Accessible Hiring and Onboarding | Jobs that value diverse experiences, including military service, caregiving, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. |
| Training and Advancement | Jobs with clear career pathways and/or access to structured learning such as apprenticeships. |
Using the Quality Jobs Framework
Career Coaching services are designed to assist participants in accessing quality job pathways to employment by educating them about Worksystems targeted sectors and targeted occupations. Ongoing guidance and training regarding Career Coaching with an emphasis on job quality and targeted occupations will be provided by Worksystems.
Examples:
· Help job seekers understand what makes a quality job—beyond just wages— and how to job search keeping other job quality characteristics in mind.
· Help participants evaluate employment opportunities in Worksystems’ targeted sectors and develop individualized plans that align with their unique career and education goals and circumstances.
· Help participants recognize when a job only meets some – or none – of the quality job characteristics, while explaining when a role is a useful first step toward a quality job.
· Identify and/or develop training and work experience opportunities that help participants develop essential skills as indicated by industry partners, including adaptability, communication, collaboration, analysis/solution mindset and self-awareness.
Other Quality Job Indicators
- Labor Representation – Unionized jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and stronger worker voice.
- B Corp Certification – Third-party verified companies meet high standards for worker well-being, transparency, and accountability.
- Benefit Corporation – Legally commit to purpose, accountability, and transparency—often a step toward B Corp certification.
- Employee Stock Option Program (ESOPS) – Employee-owned participants have larger retirement account balances than comparable workers nationwide and have better job security.
- Partners in Diversity – Employers aligned with this network show a commitment to equitable hiring.
- Apprenticeships – Employers who participate in Registered Apprenticeships Provide structured, paid training and career progression for job seekers.
Other Tools
- https://www2.prosperityplanner.org/ – Our self sufficiency calculator is integrated into WorkSource Prosperity Planner.
- Employee Total Compensation Calculator – Use this calculator to help illustrate the total compensation package for an employee.
- Employee Benefits in 2024: The Ultimate Guide – Use this guide to learn more about benefit packages being offered today.