Industry Sectors

The Workforce Development Council Snohomish County (WDCSC), along with partner organizations affiliated with the sector based framework document Snohomish County 2010: A Blueprint for Education, Workforce and Economic Development , have identified 8 industry sectors as keys to the economic vitality of the county. These industry sectors constitute the areas of greatest demand and highest wage potential throughout Snohomish County and as such, will be targeted for economic growth, expansion and retention activities. In addition to the 8 sectors identified in this cooperative response, the WDC Board continues to support the retail and wood products industries which have traditionally provided first entry jobs throughout the county.   To learn about Career Trees, an exciting sector-based initiative of the WDC, click here.

The WDC is dedicated to assisting businesses throughout the county with their employment and training needs. The Council and staff work with the Economic Development Council, Community Colleges, Universities, Private Educational Institutions, Chambers of Commerce, the Employment Security Department Labor and Economic Analysis Branch and other key stakeholders to identify and build upon Snohomish Counties assets while aggressively pursuing new opportunities to generate jobs and create economic security for the people and businesses located within the county and the Central Puget Sound.

Collaborative work is done with Snohomish County industry sectors to sustain a balanced and diverse economic base, as well as increase our momentum as a world leader in advanced technology industries. Team-based work with the Economic Development Council staff, to actively promote the start-up, retention, expansion and location of large and small businesses in Snohomish County is done with an emphasis on gathering current and future workforce needs. This effort serves to ensure that workers are being trained with the skills necessary to meet the demands of businesses moving into or currently residing in the County. Partnering with business and industry associations and individual companies serves to identify short term and long term workforce development requirements, skill standards, emerging occupational needs as well as advocacy needs for regional policies and infrastructure investments that support a thriving business climate.

The Snohomish County 2010 Blueprint was created to effectively foster a healthy, vital economy in the County by bringing Education, Workforce and Economic Development together for a shared strategic plan.  The Workforce Development Council, along with other partner entities, has supported and promoted this unique collaboration through active participation on the Oversight Committee and Working Group, the development and funding of a comprehensive targeted industry cluster study, the creation of Industry Skills Panels in areas of greatest immediate need, targeting training dollars to the identified key industry sector through customized training and individual training accounts throughout the Snohomish County WorkSource system.