King County Jobs Initiative Celebrates 10 Years' Success in Building Careers, Stable Futures
 Employers, former and current participants, and community members joined together on Sept. 6, 2008 to celebrate ten years of helping people not only earn a paycheck, but achieve stable careers and financial independence. Nearly 2,000 low-income residents have been trained as truck drivers, environmental clean up crew members, nursing and office assistants and more since 1998 when the King County Jobs Initiative was first launched.
King County Executive Ron Sims, who was instrumental in the creation of the innovative workforce development program, hosted the celebration at South Seattle Community College in Seattle.
“This job training program gives people in our lowest income areas the training and connections needed to get a job, earn a livable wage and build a stable future.” said Executive Sims. “I am very proud of the success of this program that has helped so many to launch careers and achieve long-term economic stability, for themselves and their families.”
King County Jobs Initiative has been recognized nationally for its high wage rates, particularly for the Brownfields training program where participants have received wages of up to $35.00 an hour. The program also maintains high retention rates. Of the 106 participants placed in jobs in 2007, 102 were still employed in their jobs one year from the date of placement, with an average wage of $12.46 per hour plus benefits – far exceeding the program’s goal of $9 per hour. In addition to Brownfields restoration and clean up, these include positions in health care, office support, and truck driving.
Since 1998, the Jobs Initiative has served over 1,950 low-income residents from south King County, White Center and West Hill. Many of the participants have prior involvement in the justice system, making employment more difficult to attain.
For more information contact:
Carolyn Bledsoe, KCJI Manager
King County Work Training Program
401 5th Ave, Suite 510
Seattle, WA 98104
e-mail us
206-263-9039
TTY: 711 Relay
Fax: 206-296-3510
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