WorkForce Central

WorkForce Central Jobs for people. Profits for business. Innovation for growth. http://WorkForce-Central.org View funding information at workforce-central.org/funding

Bridging the gap between job seekers, employers, and community organizations to build a robust workforce and ensure economic vitality across the region. The Pierce County workforce development system is funded through a variety of federal, state, and local employment and training grants.

Taquizas Morelenses, a family-owned catering business led by owner Eva Garcia Martinez, has experienced meaningful growt...
06/16/2026

Taquizas Morelenses, a family-owned catering business led by owner Eva Garcia Martinez, has experienced meaningful growth thanks to a Small Business Equipment Grant from WorkForce Central through the Community Reinvestment Fund. The funding allowed the business to significantly expand its storage and food preparation capacity, more than doubling what they previously had. With these improvements, the team can now take on more catering jobs, prepare food more efficiently, and better meet growing demand.

The grant also enabled the business to hire an additional part-time chef, further strengthening their ability to fulfill orders and serve customers.

Beyond day-to-day operations, the grant has brought the owners closer to achieving a long-term dream: opening a full-time brick-and-mortar restaurant.

“This grant has been transformative for our business,” said owner Eva Garcia Martinez. “With more capacity and the ability to hire more staff, we can take on more jobs and focus on growing our business instead of just getting through each week. It has brought us closer to opening our own restaurant sooner than we ever imagined.”

This investment is helping turn their vision into reality and ensuring that Taquizas Morelenses continues to thrive in our community.

Thank you to the Washington State Department of Commerce for partnering with Local Workforce Boards on the Community Reinvestment Program that supports small businesses and provides opportunities for them to grow.

Our most recent Construction Industry Roundtable was all about turning alignment into action. We brought partners togeth...
06/11/2026

Our most recent Construction Industry Roundtable was all about turning alignment into action. We brought partners together to review a Construction Entry Guide and Pathways Roadmap. These tools are designed to make construction careers in Pierce County easier to understand and access.

We also had meaningful conversations about accessible internships and how to better connect people to opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and support needs.

We’re so grateful to everyone who showed up, shared insights, and helped move this work forward. We’re building clearer pathways together.

Nathe Lawver is Secretary Treasurer for the Pierce County Central Labor Council. He brings to the board strong connectio...
06/03/2026

Nathe Lawver is Secretary Treasurer for the Pierce County Central Labor Council. He brings to the board strong connections to local union organizations and a deep understanding of their work. He offers valuable experience in navigating change for local workers through collective bargaining. Nathe is committed to serving the diverse needs of communities across the greater Puget Sound region.

The Pierce County Workforce Development Board is a business-led council of community leaders representing the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. They volunteer their time and expertise to help build a stronger workforce for Pierce County. Learn more about our board on our website: https://lnkd.in/g9wjn25X

What does it mean to be a "disconnected youth", and why should this matter to everyone? Tacoma News Tribune highlighted ...
06/02/2026

What does it mean to be a "disconnected youth", and why should this matter to everyone? Tacoma News Tribune highlighted our recent report and the work ahead to reconnect opportunity for young people. https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article315814023.html

Are the kids OK? Report shows plight of ‘disconnected youth’ in Pierce County

Over the past two years, David Pina and Cassandra Pina of VetConnect have been delivering ASIST (Applied Su***de Interve...
05/21/2026

Over the past two years, David Pina and Cassandra Pina of VetConnect have been delivering ASIST (Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training) to behavioral health practitioners across Pierce County. This year, they continue to provide training of the complex, and sensitive subject of su***de intervention.

Conducted in person over two full days, the training is intensive and immersive, incorporating role play and guided debriefing to build real-world skills and confidence.

More than 50 behavioral health practitioners from organizations across Pierce County, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, have completed the training. Participants serve in hospitals, high schools, post-secondary institutions, crisis response, and local jurisdictions.

One participant shared: “The ASIST training was one of the most impactful trainings I have attended in the past 10 years (no exaggeration).”

We’re grateful for this continued partnership with VetConnect and the life-saving work of David and Cassandra, helping ensure people in crisis are met with care, confidence, and compassion.

Learn more about your Behavioral Health Initiatives on our website: https://workforce-central.org/behavioral-health/

Jolita Perez, Manager of System, Workforce, and Student Development at MultiCare Health System, brings valuable experien...
05/15/2026

Jolita Perez, Manager of System, Workforce, and Student Development at MultiCare Health System, brings valuable experience in job placement, enrollment, and healthcare to our board. Her expertise and insights help strengthen connections between education, workforce development, and the healthcare sector.

The Pierce County Workforce Development Board is a business-led council of community leaders representing the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. They volunteer their time and expertise to help build a stronger workforce for Pierce County.

Learn more about our board on our website: https://workforce-central.org/about/our-leadership/

More than 14,000 young people in Pierce County, about 1 in 8 ages 16–24, are not working or in school. Despite years of ...
05/11/2026

More than 14,000 young people in Pierce County, about 1 in 8 ages 16–24, are not working or in school. Despite years of economic growth and workforce investment across Pierce County, this rate hasn’t changed in over a decade. Our new report examines where disconnected young adults live, who they are, and what barriers stand between them and stable employment or education.

This report examines the experiences of the more than 14,000 disconnected young adults in Pierce County and the systems shaping their access to work and education.

05/05/2026

Address

3640 S. Cedar Street , Suite E
Tacoma, WA
98409

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12532080869

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