Group tours WorkSource building
SkillSource Executive Director Dave Petersen provided information about the WorkSource building to members of the U.S. Rural Development Administration Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald
One-stop career shop
MOSES LAKE - Several people involved with the funding and construction of the WorkSource building in Moses Lake took a tour of the facility Wednesday afternoon.
The WorkSource career development center partners include SkillSource, the Washington State Employment Security Department, the state Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Big Bend Community College and area school districts.
The group taking the tour, USDA Rural Development. provided a $3 million loan to help fund construction of the building. The cost of the building is approximately $4 million.
There were approximately 20 people who toured the building and viewed students at work. Several members asked questions about what the facility offers.
SkillSource Executive Director Dave Petersen said the building allows for a "one-stop shop" for career development needs. He said the building meets all his expectations for what it should look like and how it should function. It's inviting and has a visible location on Fifth Avenue, Petersen added.
He said there are a library, offices and several classroom spaces.
There are various opportunities offered in the building including ways to improve resume skills, interviewing skills and job search skills. Guest speakers visit students to give them information about various careers and there is a video library featuring similar information.
Petersen said people of all ages use the services at the facility. Some people need information to get into a career while others might need to get their G.E.D. or take high school equivalency classes.
He said there is consideration for a student-run cafe where employees can learn all aspects of a small business under direct supervision.
Petersen expects more participation in the future. He said about 5,000 new individuals are expected to use the facility next year.
The coverage area for WorkSource and its partners spans from Othello to Oroville. He said there is a need for the facility because in the coverage area there are four times as many people who have less than a ninth grade education, compared with the state average.