Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council

05/20/2026

Sometimes the strongest hiring strategy is not hiring at all. It's helping the people already on your team grow into what comes next.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can support employers who want to build stronger internal pathways, create advancement opportunities, and prepare current employees for future needs. That can mean fewer gaps, stronger retention, and a team that sees a future with your business.

PacMtn currently has $100,000 available to support employer training efforts, but funds must be committed before the end of June.
If your business wants to grow talent from within, now is the time to explore IWT.
Learn more today: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/iwt-workforce-funding/

Sometimes the strongest hiring strategy is not hiring at all. It's helping the people already on your team grow into what comes next.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can support employers who want to build stronger internal pathways, create advancement opportunities, and prepare current employees for future needs. That can mean fewer gaps, stronger retention, and a team that sees a future with your business.

PacMtn currently has $100,000 available to support employer training efforts, but funds must be committed before the end of June.

If your business wants to grow talent from within, now is the time to explore IWT. Learn more today: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/iwt-workforce-funding/

05/15/2026

Some of the best hires are the ones you help shape from the start.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) helps employers bring in new talent and train them directly in the work, culture, and expectations of the business. That means you're not just filling a role, you're building your next generation of workers with intention.

OJT can be especially valuable for employers thinking beyond the immediate opening and looking at long-term workforce stability, growth, and continuity.

PacMtn has $250,000 in OJT funding available through June 2026, but funding is available on a first come, first served basis.

Reach out now to explore whether OJT could support your next hire: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/ojt-wage-reimbursements/

05/13/2026

Strong communities need strong pathways into work.

When employers host a Work Experience (WEX) paid intern, they're doing more than filling a short-term need — they're helping someone gain real-world experience, build confidence, and take the next step in their career journey.

For employers, WEX is a chance to:
- support local talent
- strengthen the future workforce
- create a connection that could lead to future hiring
and we'll cover their wages.

Learn how your business can get involved with WEX: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/wex-paid-internships/

Strong communities need strong pathways into work.

When employers host a Work Experience (WEX) paid intern, they're doing more than filling a short-term need — they're helping someone gain real-world experience, build confidence, and take the next step in their career journey.

For employers, WEX is a chance to:
- support local talent
- strengthen the future workforce
- create a connection that could lead to future hiring
and we'll cover their wages.

Learn how your business can get involved with WEX.

https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/wex-paid-internships/

05/06/2026

PacMtn is proud to formalize a new partnership with the South Sound Building and Construction Trades Council to expand access to building trades registered apprenticeship programs and strengthen pathways into family-sustaining construction careers across the South Sound.

This partnership brings together local building trades unions and the regional workforce development system to create clearer, more accessible pathways into high-quality construction careers — while helping strengthen the skilled workforce needed to support major infrastructure, commercial, and economic development projects in the South Sound.

Registered apprenticeship is one of the most powerful “earn while you learn” career pathways available, combining paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction and leading to nationally recognized craft credentials.

Together, we’re building stronger pathways, stronger communities, and a stronger regional economy.

Thank you to our partners at the South Sound Building and Construction Trades Council for your leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment to expanding opportunity across our region.

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council

04/30/2026

Have employees you want to upskill, cross-train, or prepare for bigger responsibilities?

PacMtn currently has $100,000 available to support employers with training for current employees — but funds must be committed before the end of June.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can help businesses invest in the people they already rely on by supporting training that builds skills, strengthens teams, and prepares staff for what’s next.

This could be a strong fit if your business wants to:
- improve productivity
- prepare for new equipment, technology, or processes
- build stronger leads and supervisors
- support retention and advancement

Reach out now to explore whether IWT is a fit for your business. https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/iwt-workforce-funding/

Have employees you want to upskill, cross-train, or prepare for bigger responsibilities?

PacMtn currently has $100,000 available to support employers with training for current employees — but funds must be committed before the end of June.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can help businesses invest in the people they already rely on by supporting training that builds skills, strengthens teams, and prepares staff for what’s next.

This could be a strong fit if your business wants to:
- improve productivity
- prepare for new equipment, technology, or processes
- build stronger leads and supervisors
- support retention and advancement

Reach out now to explore whether IWT is a fit for your business.

opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/iwt-workforce-funding

04/27/2026

Busy season coming up?

If your business needs to ramp up quickly, On-the-Job Training (OJT) may help you bring on new employees and train them for the work your team needs now.

OJT can be a smart option for employers who:
- need to fill roles fast
- want to train new hires on site
- are looking for support while building seasonal capacity

If training time or cost is one of the reasons you’ve delayed hiring, now is a great time to explore your options. Reach out to learn whether OJT could support your seasonal hiring needs.

https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/ojt-wage-reimbursements/

04/23/2026

We’re looking for partners to help make opportunity happen across our region.

PacMtn has released a new RFP seeking qualified organizations to deliver integrated workforce services across Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties.

This work is all about helping people access training, employment, career pathways, and long-term economic mobility through a more connected, coordinated system of support.

If your organization works in workforce development, human services, education, or related fields, we encourage you to take a look. Even if this opportunity is not for you, please help us spread the word. Share with your networks, partners, and organizations who may be a strong fit.

Learn more: bit.ly/pacmtnRFP

04/21/2026

A short-term intern can create long-term value.

For employers, this can:
- support someone’s skill-building
- add capacity to your team
- explore whether a participant could be a future fit (while we pay 100% of their wages)

For participants, it’s a chance to gain real-world experience and confidence on the job.

That’s what makes work-based learning work: it creates value on both sides.

Learn more about hosting a paid intern: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/wex-paid-internships/

A short-term intern can create long-term value.

For employers, this can:
- support someone’s skill-building
- add capacity to your team
- explore whether a participant could be a future fit (while we pay 100% of their wages)

For participants, it’s a chance to gain real-world experience and confidence on the job.

That’s what makes work-based learning work: it creates value on both sides.

Learn more about hosting a paid intern: opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/wex-paid-internships

04/17/2026

If training costs are part of what’s slowing down your hiring decision, now is a good time to talk with us.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) can help eligible employers bring on new employees and provide training with support along the way.

If your business has an open position and you’re ready to explore options, don’t wait until the “perfect time.” Start the conversation with us now.

Connect with our team to see if OJT is available for your hiring needs: https://opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/ojt-wage-reimbursements/

If training costs are part of what’s slowing down your hiring decision, now is a good time to talk with us.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) can help eligible employers bring on new employees and provide training with support along the way.

If your business has an open position and you’re ready to explore options, don’t wait until the “perfect time.” Start the conversation with us now.

Connect with our team to see if OJT is available for your hiring needs: opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/ojt-wage-reimbursements

04/15/2026

Need extra hands, but not quite ready to make a permanent hire?
Work Experience (WEX) can help employers host a short-term paid internship that gives someone real-world experience while helping your team meet immediate needs.

Learn more and connect with our team today: http://opportunitybeginshere.org/.../wex-paid-internships

Need extra hands, but not quite ready to make a permanent hire?

Work Experience (WEX) can help employers host a short-term paid internship that gives someone real-world experience while helping your team meet immediate needs.

It’s a great option for employers who want to:
- introduce someone to their industry
- support skill-building
- explore future hiring potential

Think of it as a way to grow talent while also getting work done.

Learn more and connect with our team today: opportunitybeginshere.org/employer/work-based-learning/wex-paid-internships