Training program seeks to fill jobs in Clark County

A new short-term job-training program aims to help 110 people learn the skills to get living-wage jobs in Clark County.

Partners in Careers and Bridgeview are hosting the training with $75,000 in grant money from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington and the Cowlitz Tribe, according to Mary Nicholson, data and compliance manager at Partners in Careers.

The training begins today with a prep-cook boot camp at the Northwest Culinary Institute. Other training will include bus driving and paraeducator, according to a news release.

The program is aimed at young adults ages 18 to 28, but there are no age or eligibility requirements, and the main source of candidates for training comes from Vancouver Housing Authority residents, but the program is open to all.

“We want to increase everyone’s ability to be employed,” said Sharon Pesut, executive director of Partners in Careers. “We are so excited about this program and working with employers to help recruit and build skills in order to create a pipeline of qualified candidates.”

Those interested in the prep cook or future short-term job training can contact Nicholson at mary@swwpic.org or 360-597-2062.

A job fair at the end of the trainings will seek to match restaurants and trainees.

“There is a good likelihood at the end of this short-term training to go right into employment,” said Jodi Freydenfeldt, volunteer and engagement supervisor at Bridgeview.