Chemeketa Community College has launched an ambitious initiative to address critical workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology across Oregon. With support from the Workforce Ready Grant, the programs aim to create accessible pathways for individuals to enter and thrive in these industries, particularly focusing on underserved communities.
The Workforce Ready Grant supports innovative training programs designed to equip individuals with the most in-demand skills. “The grants will fund the creation of new, accessible pathways to careers in healthcare, such as the Physician Assistant (MA) program and the Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN-to-RN) program,” explained Marie Hulett. In the manufacturing and technology sectors, the grants focus on early experience, certifications, and the ability to retrain without losing a job.
These efforts go beyond education. “The grants will support job placement and professional development for program participants through industry connections and internships,” she emphasized. This holistic approach ensures that newly trained workers are not only trained, but also prepared for success in the workforce.
Chemeketa’s programs address key obstacles faced by underserved communities, such as financial, language, and geographic barriers. “The cost of education and training can be prohibitive for many people,” emphasizing that the programs offer stipends, tuition assistance, and scholarships to ease financial burdens.
Language and geographic barriers are also addressed through bilingual instruction and online learning options. “For those in rural areas, Chemeketa caters to students by offering programs in rural areas and online,” Hulett added. Comprehensive support services such as childcare and transportation assistance further enhance accessibility.
The hybrid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) model stands out as a transformative approach to nursing education. By combining online components with flexible scheduling, the program allows practicing LPNs to earn their RN license without sacrificing their current responsibilities. “This model not only accelerates career advancement but also creates a conducive learning environment through cohort-based structures and mentorship,” other Chemeketa team members explained.
Beyond training, the program seeks to improve the delivery of healthcare services. “By increasing the number and diversity of qualified Registered Nurses (RNs), the program can improve patient outcomes and address the severe shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) in the region,” they explained.
Chemeketa has also focused on engaging underrepresented groups through strategies such as community partnerships, targeted marketing, and bilingual informational sessions. For instance, the tuition-free Computer Information Systems Certificate program leverages local workforce development agencies and high school networks to attract diverse participants.
Cultural inclusion plays a critical role in initiatives like the Level Up program for Latinx youth. “Collaborating with organizations like Unidos, which already maintain trusted relationships with families in rural areas, allows us to improve our services and create support systems for student success,” Chemeketa team members emphasized.
The Mobile Learning Lab exemplifies Chemeketa’s commitment to accessibility. Equipped with virtual reality simulators for skills like welding, the lab offers hands-on manufacturing training in rural and underserved areas. This approach ensures that students gain practical experience regardless of their location.
Furthermore, Chemeketa’s manufacturing training program for incarcerated individuals offers a path to economic independence. “Individuals returning to prison are less likely to face future incarceration if they have jobs. Manufacturing training provides economic stability, which significantly reduces recidivism,” they shared.
For the Salem region, the economic impact is evident. “Employers gain the employees they desperately need to continue growing, and community members gain access to training that allows them to access well-paying jobs,” Hulett concluded.