Worksystems

In a recent How Oregon Works interview with Portland Business Journal, Worksystems brings together Bruce Smith, PhD from TriMet and Rana Uzzaman, LMSW from Portland YouthBuilders to highlight the 82nd Avenue Community Workforce Training Program. Hosted by Worksystems’ Construction Sector Lead, Kim Neel, the conversation explores how major transportation investments can also create pathways to quality jobs.

What makes this model unique is the direct connection between training and a real, local project. Participants are learning skills that prepare them for opportunities tied to actual jobs. Worksystems supports recruitment, enrollment, training completion, and job placement, leveraging the public workforce system and additional funding to increase impact. Through this work, participants have access to career exploration, coaching, support services, and training scholarships.

Watch the interview here:

A Portland project aims to improve transit — and could connect locals to skilled work - Portland Business Journal This How Oregon Works interview highlights what’s possible when workforce development is built into major public investments: stronger talent pipelines, expanded access to opportunity, and outcomes that benefit both communities and employers.

Yesterday, along with our partners at WorkSource Portland, LCSA-Northwest, Mt. Hood Community College, and SE Works, Inc., we hosted a free Layoff Transition Resource Fair at the beautiful new East County Library in Gresham.

During the event, we helped people:
✅ Learn how to apply for Unemployment Insurance, healthcare, and WorkSource resources
📜 Build a stronger resume in a hands-on workshop
🪜 Explore free training opportunities in clean energy, healthcare, and early childhood education
💻 Explore the latest AI capabilities and discover how to apply AI to accelerate job search activities
🤝 Connect with a variety of experts and community resources
📷 Get a new professional headshot

Thank you to everyone who came out to support people navigating their next step.

United We Heal 211info Escape with Velocity Multnomah County Library City of Portland, OR

Healthcare is an industry with a wealth of opportunities for people seeking a quality job. Our new Medical Assistant Quality Job profile highlights a role at the center of care—scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, taking vital signs and medical histories, and supporting patients.
https://worksystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DISCOVERING-QUALITY-JOBS-Medical-Assistant.pdf

This is a strong entry point into healthcare:
💵 Starting pay $21–24/hour
📋 Comprehensive benefits which can increase your total compensation by up to 30%
🤝 No degree or prior experience required
🪜 Opportunities to advance into specialized roles or nursing careers

If you’re organized, compassionate, and ready to support people in real time, this could be a great fit.

Want to learn more about Quality Jobs? Visit https://worksystems.org/quality-jobs-initiative/ and scroll to the bottom to browse profiles from different industries in our region.

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