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WORKFORCE UPDATE

Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission

Office of Workforce Investments

February 12, 2025

ID: A female worker in protective gear inspects machinery

Understanding the WARN Act: Supporting Workers Through Transitions

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide at least 60-days’ notice of business closures or mass layoffs to affected employees. This notice allows workers time to transition, seek new opportunities, or adjust to potential job loss. In Oregon, the process is facilitated by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC) Office of Workforce Investments (OWI), and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs).

Key services include Rapid Response Information Sessions, collaboration with labor unions, and job fairs to help affected workers navigate the transition. These coordinated efforts aim to minimize the impact on workers, their families, and communities.

Oregon’s local workforce development boards have established Rapid Response Teams to assist employers and workers affected not only by layoffs or business closures but also by unforeseen natural disasters. These teams work proactively to address challenges and provide tailored support.

Rapid Response efforts typically begin when one or more of the following occurs:

• The OWI receives notice of an upcoming layoff or closure, as required under the WARN Act.
• An employer voluntarily notifies the local Rapid Response Team, a WorkSource Oregon center, or the OWI about a potential event.
• Public notices or other sources bring such events to the attention of the Rapid Response Teams or the OWI.
• A new petition for federal Trade Act Adjustment Assistance is filed with the US Department of Labor (DOL).  The Rapid Response Team also mobilizes in response to natural disasters that disrupt employment, working closely with employers and communities to provide critical support. Services include pre-layoff planning, worker information sessions, and guidance on accessing Unemployment Insurance, WorkSource Oregon services, Health Insurance Exchange options, and union resources. Their ultimate goal is to empower dislocated workers and help them successfully transition back into the workforce.

ID: OregonServes logo

OregonServes Commission

2025-26 AmeriCorps State Formula Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

The OregonServes State Commission (OSC) is excited to announce the release of our 2025-26 Notice of Funding Opportunity for the AmeriCorps Formula grant. OSC is hosting two information sessions for organizations interested in applying for the 2025-26 AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity to operate an AmeriCorps State program in Oregon. Applications will be due Friday, April 18, 2025, by 11:59pm PST. The first step is to register for and attend an informational webinar:

Continuing and Recompete applicants are encouraged but not required to attend the webinar.

• New Applicants – Monday, February 10, 2pm-3pm. REGISTER
• Continuing and Recompete Applicants – Monday, February 10, 10am-10:45am. REGISTER

All applicants must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply to OSC by February 18, 2025, by 11:59pm PST. Submissions must be sent via the following link:

• New Applicants- Submit Here
• Continuing and Recompete Applicants- Submit Here

Interested parties can review the federal NOFO pages on which the Oregon request for application (RFA) will be based: 2025-26 AmeriCorps NOFO. For more information, contact oregon.serves@hecc.oregon.gov.

Inspiring Work with RARE AmeriCorps Program

ID: Photos provided and shared with permission by RARE. Staff and members pose in group photos on work sites. People pictured wear shirts with RARE and/or AmeriCorps imagery.

The Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program receives funding through OregonServes. RARE focuses on increasing the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions through the assistance of passionate new leaders. Established in 1994, the RARE AmeriCorps Program just celebrated 30 years of serving rural Oregon this summer. In early August, around 100 alumni gathered from around the United States for a reunion to connect and celebrate all this program has done! The RARE Program’s story and impact has so much to do with the communities and the members who take on the challenge – like year 30 member Braden Ravenscraft who was placed at the McKenzie River (watch this video to learn more about his story of service).

The RARE Program will continue to grow and develop in the years to come with some exciting partnerships with the Department of Environmental Quality and the US Department of Agriculture. There are also record numbers of RARE AmeriCorps alumni, who are now serving as supervisors for the current generation of members. Two organizations – the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association and Lake County Resource Initiatives – have 3 members who were hired on as staff and are currently hosting RARE members as well.

ID: Photo shared with permission from RARE. A large group photo with over 40 members and staff posing together in a large space.

Oregon Youth Works

Advisory Board Fully Assembled!

The Oregon Youth Works Advisory Board met in-person for the first time in December 2024. This meeting focused on collaborative conversations about data and long-term outcomes. Staff from Willamette Workforce Partnership also presented on some of their on-going and recent youth workforce development initiatives to the board. To see meeting materials, minutes, and recordings visit our website and click on the “Past” tab.

Workforce and Talent Development Board

               The Workforce and Talent Development Board’s Workforce Readiness Committee and its consultants have been polishing Oregon Employability Skills resources and eLearning for a variety of users – including students, educators and community partners, employers, and families and caregivers. The Willamette Education Service District, with support from the Workforce and Talent Development Board, has hosted staff and web support to compile and share curriculum.

ID: Graphic used with permission. A graphic image that includes ten badges, one for each specified skill: Adaptablity, Analysis/Solution Mindset, Collaboration, Communication, Digital Literacy, Empathy, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience, Self-Awareness, and Social Diversity/Awareness.

Stay engaged with the Workforce and Talent Development Board by viewing recent reports or attending upcoming meetings.

Oregon Climate Workforce Workgroup

               The Oregon Climate Workforce Workgroup continues to develop through collaborative efforts. These convenings are aimed at bringing together people who have an awareness of workforce needs in our quickly evolving climate sector. The Oregon Climate Workforce Workgroup aims to strengthen regional connections and workforce pathways to in-demand climate resilience and clean energy careers for Oregon's future. We will be hosting monthly virtual convenings. If you are interested in participating these meetings and informing the topics covered, please complete our brief survey.

Other HECC News

Learn more on our website: