The Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreement is a program designed to assist employers in hiring and training workers who face barriers to employment. It aims to encourage businesses in Bend, Oregon to employ individuals who may have difficulty finding or maintaining employment due to specific circumstances. The program provides wage subsidies to employers who hire eligible workers, which helps reduce the financial burden and risk associated with hiring new team members. The agreement works by offering participating employers a wage subsidy for a specified period, allowing them to pay a portion of an employee's wages while they gain necessary skills and proficiency within the job role. This subsidy serves as an incentive for employers to hire workers who may have limited experience, insufficient training, or face other employment challenges such as disability or long-term unemployment. The Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreement is a proactive approach towards bridging the gap between job seekers and employers who may have hesitations about hiring individuals with unique circumstances. By providing financial assistance to employers, the program aims to create a win-win situation: workers gain valuable work experience, while employers acquire talented employees who contribute to their businesses' success. Some key features and benefits of the Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreement include: 1. Subsidized wages: Employers who participate in this agreement receive financial support in the form of wage subsidies. The subsidy varies based on factors such as the employee's qualifications, training needs, and the duration of the subsidy. These subsidies can contribute significantly to reducing employment costs for businesses. 2. Candidate pool expansion: Employers gain access to a wider pool of qualified workers who may have faced challenges in finding employment otherwise. This allows businesses to tap into a diverse talent pool and potentially discover individuals who bring unique perspectives and skills to their organizations. 3. Training support: The program recognizes that some new hires may require additional training to meet the specific demands of the job. To address this, employers can access resources and expertise to provide necessary training and support to preferred workers. This ensures that employees have the opportunity to develop their skills and succeed in their roles. 4. Flexible hiring options: The Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreement offers flexibility in the hiring process by allowing employers to select workers based on their own needs, preferences, and eligibility criteria. Employers have the ability to specify the types of preferred workers they seek, such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, or those who have been long-term unemployed. Different types of Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreements may exist to cater to specific groups of job seekers based on their unique circumstances. These variations can include targeted subsidies for veterans returning to the workforce, subsidies for individuals with disabilities, or subsidies for individuals who have been unemployed for an extended period. By implementing the Bend Oregon Preferred Worker Wage Subsidy Agreement, employers in Bend, Oregon have the opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of the community while providing valuable employment opportunities to individuals who face barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce.