Offers trained navigators who work one-on-one with Pierce County residents who are seeking living wage jobs or college education and are unsure of where to begin.
Helps residents determine which employment service or education path will best meet their employment goals, and directly connects callers to education and employment organizations.
Also helps WorkForce clients access transportation programs, benefits programs, or other services that help remove barriers to employment or education.
Service is provided until the client has connected with the best employment or education program, and barriers to employment have been removed.

WorkForce Navigation offered at Access Pierce

Offers trained navigators who work one-on-one with Pierce County residents who are seeking living wage jobs or college education and are unsure of where to begin.

Programs that encourage students, usually in middle school or high school, to consider higher education and to gain the skills necessary to be successful in the college, university or other postsecondary program of their choice. Services may include guidance from staff and mentors, academic preparation, SAT test preparation, college/university admissions and financial aid workshops, and visits to local colleges and universities.

Higher Education Awareness/Support Programs

Programs that provide assistance and support for individuals entering college with the objective of improving retention and ensuring that they have an equal footing with other students. The programs are offered by community colleges, four year colleges and universities and other educational institutions; are often available during the summer; may target minority students, international students, non-English speaking students, first generation students, gifted students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities and other non-traditional groups; and may offer academic support (such as writing, mathematics and reading), provide information about study skills (such as time management, individual learning style, study strategies, and expectations for college work), include discussions of campus life and/or offer career counseling. Some programs focus on preparation within specific major fields of study (e.g., science or math), have a parent involvement component, provide opportunities for community service or introduce new students to potential mentors. Many institutions offer more than one bridge program, accommodating the unique needs of their student population.

Higher Education Bridge Programs

Programs that introduce people who are in the process of choosing an occupation to a variety of career and vocational options. These programs provide information about the knowledge and skills that are required for specific positions in specific industries and professions; data regarding the current labor market, training and educational options, major employers, and small business development; and other reference material that is related to career planning.

Career Awareness

Programs that provide information and guidance for people who need to evaluate their aptitude, abilities and interests in order to choose a vocation or career and select the type of training that will enable them to obtain and progress in positions in the public or private sector that are productive and fulfilling.

Career Counseling

Programs that provide instruction for people who need to acquire the basic "soft skills" and tools that are required to successfully apply for and secure employment, and retain a position once they have been hired. These programs provide information and guidance regarding preparing a resume, writing job application letters, completing job application questionnaires, responding to job ads and taking employment tests; offer tips regarding appropriate dress, personal appearance and interview techniques; and address other similar topics.

Prejob Guidance

Provides education navigation and support for young people who want to pursue a GED, high school diploma or higher education pathway. 
Offers career and program exploration, academic support and advising, school financial planning and community resources and referrals.

Education Assistance offered at Northwest Education Access

Provides education navigation and support youth and young adults ages 16-29, who want to get a GED, high school diploma or pursue a higher education pathway.

Programs that provide instruction for adults and eligible minors who have elected to take a series of tests which measure the extent to which they have gained the knowledge, skills and understanding ordinarily acquired through a high school education. Instruction and testing focus on writing, social studies, science, reading and mathematics. Individuals who pass the tests receive a high school equivalency certificate.

High School Equivalency/GED Test Instruction

Programs that provide information and guidance for high school students and others who are preparing for or in the process of choosing and applying for admission to a college, university or other postsecondary institution. Assistance may include information about various college/university programs and their requirements, advice on college/university selection, suggestions regarding high school classes students should take to best qualify for the school of their choice, information and counseling regarding financial aid, assistance in completing necessary application forms and supporting materials such as application essays, and advice regarding the scheduling of SATs/ACTs. The objective of most college/university entrance support programs is to help students select the most appropriate institution and present their credentials in a way that heightens their chances of having their application accepted. Included are programs that sponsor fairs where representatives from a broad range of postsecondary institutions are available to meet with prospective students and discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college/university life in general and other information that is pertinent to the selection process.

College/University Entrance Support

Programs that provide opportunities for people to investigate their occupational interests through simulated job experiences such as role playing; career mentoring, i.e., pairing professionals and people interested in that occupation; and job shadowing, a work-based learning experience that allows a visitor to follow a host during a typical day (or other period of time) observing and asking questions about a particular career. Also included are police explorer programs, fire cadet explorer programs, and other similar groups which provide opportunities for youth who may be interested in pursuing a career in these fields as adults to gain experience in the area.

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Age Group

WorkForce Navigation offered at Access Pierce

Education Assistance offered at Northwest Education Access