Spokane County is the largest labor market in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. The labor force is approximately 230,000. In 2013, Spokane County averaged 202,125 jobs covered by unemployment insurance with a total payroll over $8.4 billion. The 25 to 34 year-olds make up the largest job holder age group at 22.0 percent of the workforce, an unusual asset in a top 100 MSA.
As the education hub of the Inland Northwest with 18 colleges and universities located in the area, Spokane has a dependable source of employees who are well trained, ready-to-work, and valued for loyalty.
The Universities work collaboratively with one another and with the regional business community to support workforce development, research, and lifestyle initiatives to advance economic growth. Course offerings and programs from six-week classes focused on technical requirements of specific industries at Spokane Community College's Center for Workforce and Continuing Education, to graduate and doctoral studies prepare the next generation of professionals.
Spokane offers programs to benefit all stages of training and ensure the continued development of a highly engaged, motivated workforce equipped with ready-to work skills.
The Spokane Workforce Council offers employers a comprehensive suite of services to assist with their recruiting and hiring needs, including job posting and screening, assessment testing, and on-the-job training.
Impact Washington also provides programs and tools to make manufacturers more globally competitive. With a variety of consulting and training services, Impact Washington has a 20 year history of creating measurable impacts for manufacturers.
Various funds are available to offset the cost of training new and incumbent workers, including Work Source Spokane and Job Skills Program.
Planning & Economic Development Department
Economic Development Team
509.625.6500
incentives@spokanecity.org
