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Program Contacts
Contract Manager | Kelley Ilic kilic@worksystems.org
About the Program
PDX Metro Works provides two distinct work-based training services for participants:
- Work Experience
- Paid Work Opportunities
What Is Work Experience?
Work experiences funded by Worksystems allow participants to explore different jobs and practice foundational skills like managing their time and networkingA WEX is intended to prepare a participant for future, unsubsidized employment, by matching participants with worksites committed to providing participants with supportive supervision and mentorship in positions aligning with short- or long-term career goals. Participants with very limited work experience, making career changes, or with limited to no work experience in the target occupation are prioritized for services.
Work experiences:
- Promote career exploration and learning
- Encourage networking
- Provide an entry-level opportunity to work on foundational skills (time management, communication) and learn more about a specific organization or industry
- Connect participants with worksites willing to provide a high level of supervision and training to support skill growth.
Participants in work experiences:
- Are NOT assigned all duties for regular employees at the worksite
- Are still developing work-readiness skills
What Is Paid Work Opportunity?
Paid work opportunities funded by Worksystems allow work-ready participants to connect with entry-level positions in target industries
Paid Work Opportunities:
- Encourage networking
- Provide an entry-level opportunity to learn more about a specific organization or industry
- May lead to direct hire positions within the industry or field.
Is My Customer Ready?
- Has your customer already completed their iMatchSkills and Career Mapping?
- Does your customer have a resume ready to share?
- Is your customer able to commit to a weekly work schedule?
- Does your customer have childcare and transportation arrangements in place to support their work experience?
Referral Information
Referrals to the PDX Metro Works Work Experience programming are currently closed due to funding limitations.
Work-ready customers interested in paid work opportunities may be referred to the following programs:
| West Side Works | Early Learning Works | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Childcare positions in Washington County. | Entry-level positions in Multnomah County preschool settings. |
| Eligibility/ Other Factors | Must be able to enroll in Oregon’s Central Background Registry for childcare workers and willing to work in Washington County. | Must be able to enroll in Oregon’s Central Background Registry for child care workers and willing to work in Multnomah County. |
| Referral Process | West Side Works Referral Form | Referral Form |