What SkillSource does

SkillSource is a private nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 1983 (originally as the Pentad Private Industry Council) and headquartered in Wenatchee, Washington. It is the designated direct provider of career services under Title I-B of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for Adams, Chelan, Douglas, and Grant counties, and provides contract services in Okanogan County, covering a 14,612-square-mile service area with a regional population of approximately 289,517. The organization operates five physical centers (Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Othello, Omak), a board-governed Regional Workforce Board composed of local business and community leaders, and sits within Washington's WorkSource system (the state's brand for the American Job Center network).

The organization's product portfolio spans career seeker services and employer-facing services. For career seekers, SkillSource delivers the three-day Action for Career Employment (ACE) workshop, GED and high school completion programs (including the Open Doors Youth Reengagement program for ages 16-21), vocational scholarships covering tuition/books/fees for fields such as nursing, automotive, IT, accounting, and commercial truck driving, and Pre-Employment Transition Services for students with disabilities. The underlying technology stack is primarily third-party: OdysseyWare provides online learning delivery, and CareerScope is used for career interest/strengths assessment. For employers, SkillSource operates On-the-Job Training with up to 50% wage reimbursement, Incumbent Worker Training (up to $4,000 per employee), Registered Apprenticeships, paid Internships/Work Experience, Community Hiring Events, Rapid Response services for layoffs, and bilingual business meetups (Cafe y Conexion, Business is Brewing).

SkillSource is funded almost entirely through federal and state grants, with disclosed 2025-26 program-year inflows of approximately $4.28M federal (WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, Rapid Response, Pre-ETS, Washington Jobs Initiative, Pathways Home RESET) and approximately $2.38M state (Community Reinvestment, Basic Education, Economic Security for All, School Improvement, Labor & Industries), plus ancillary donations. Services are provided at no cost to eligible participants; employer services are grant-subsidized rather than fee-based. Cumulative since founding, the organization has administered roughly $150 million in federal funds, served over 20,718 career seekers since 2005, and trained 2,183 individuals at local businesses since 2014. Leadership includes CEO Lisa Romine and Communications Manager Kelli Martinelli, with a team of 51-100 employees.

Name

SkillSource

Legal name

SkillSource

Website

https://skillsource.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SkillSource is a private nonprofit workforce development organization and the designated Title I-B WIOA service provider for four counties in North Central Washington, delivering free career training, GED/high school completion, vocational scholarships, and employer-facing work-based training programs through five regional centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dislocated Worker & Rapid Response / Reemployment Programs (EDAAAOAF), Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Career training programs
• Vocational education services
• Employment assistance programs
• Job readiness training

Headquarters

HQ city

Wenatchee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal and State Grants: SkillSource is a nonprofit workforce organization primarily funded through federal and state grants. Major federal funding includes WIOA Adult Program ($867,581), WIOA Dislocated Worker Program ($1,096,854), WIOA Youth Program ($893,036), Rapid Response Grant ($77,500), Pre-Employment Transition Services ($480,000), Washington Jobs Initiative ($200,000), and Pathways Home RESET ($669,632). State funding includes State EcSA Community Reinvestment Program ($683,158), State Basic Education programs ($1,147,793), State Economic Security for All Grant ($366,098), School Improvement Grant and Learning Assistance Program ($136,000), and Labor & Industries ($50,000).
2. Donations: SkillSource accepts donations from the public to extend their impact beyond grant funding, supporting innovative programs, outreach, and local opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SkillSource delivers free workforce development services to career seekers and employers across North Central Washington. Core offerings include the Action for Career Employment (ACE) workshop, high school completion and GED programs, vocational scholarships, and work-based training programs such as On-the-Job Training, Incumbent Worker Training, internships, and registered apprenticeships. For employers, the organization provides hiring events, Rapid Response services for layoffs, and a Business Solutions team that helps defray training costs.

Product overview

SkillSource is a nonprofit workforce development organization offering a portfolio of interconnected services for career seekers and employers across North Central Washington. The core offering consists of career assessment workshops (ACE), classroom education for high school completion and GED, vocational scholarships, and work-based training programs including on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, internships, and registered apprenticeships. For employers, SkillSource provides hiring events, rapid response services, and business support workshops. Youth-specific services include Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and career training programs. The organization operates through regional centers in Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Othello, and Omak, functioning as a workforce intermediary connecting job seekers with education, training, and employment opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Action for Career Employment (ACE) Workshop A three-day workshop that helps career seekers explore interests, skills, abilities, and personality factors that influence job success; includes labor market research and education/training option planning.
• High School Completion and GED Program Self-paced, open-entry education services enabling youth and adults to earn high school diplomas or equivalency (GED), including the Open Doors Youth Reengagement program for ages 16-21.
• Vocational Scholarships Scholarships for vocational programs at colleges and professional schools covering tuition, books, and fees for approved programs including accounting, automotive, nursing, commercial trucking, and more.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) Connects job seekers to businesses that need custom-trained workers, with SkillSource reimbursing employers up to 50% of trainee wages and formal training costs during training periods.
• Incumbent Worker Training Training program for existing employees to improve skills and achieve industry-recognized credentials, with SkillSource covering up to $4,000 per employee for qualifying training.
• Internships and Work Experience Paid work experience opportunities helping career seekers gain job readiness and occupational skills while providing businesses with extra staff and mentorship.
• Registered Apprenticeships Apprenticeships combining on-the-job learning with classroom instruction that lead to industry-recognized credentials; SkillSource helps businesses navigate the registration process.
• Resume Labs Workshop helping career seekers build resumes, present skills effectively, and gain interview practice.
• Work Readiness Workshops Workshops covering communication, time management, problem solving, teamwork, and professional conduct for career seekers of all ages.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Services for students ages 14-21 with IEPs, 504 Plans, or documented disabilities, including job exploration, work-readiness skills, and independence building.
• Youth Career Training and Support Program for ages 16-24 helping youth explore careers, gain work experience, and build skills through paid internships, career coaching, and job training guidance.
• Community Hiring Events Events connecting hiring employers with prepared job seekers, with SkillSource coordinating outreach, promotion, and logistics.
• Rapid Response Services On-site or virtual support for employees affected by layoffs or closures, including job search guidance and connections to training programs.
• Business Support Workshops and Meetups Local meetups including bilingual Cafe y Conexion and English-language Business is Brewing events designed to build connections and share practical tools for small business growth.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,718 persons served since 2005
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AARP FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides workforce and financial resilience programs to older adults as part of the WorkSource system partnership.
• Big Bend Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers vocational degree, certificate and basic education programs available online and at its Moses Lake campus. Partners with SkillSource for career pathways in healthcare, trades, and other in-demand fields.
• Wenatchee Valley CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers degree, certificate and basic education programs at Wenatchee and Omak campuses. Key partner for nursing programs and other career pathways. Board member Sara Thompson Tweedy serves as BBCC President.
• Employment Security DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatches qualified candidates with employer openings. Manages unemployment, paid leave and other job-related services. Provides career services in Okanogan County under agreement with SkillSource.
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssists people with disabilities to prepare for, secure and maintain employment. Partners with SkillSource on Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities.
• Columbia Basin Job CorpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides paid training and education experiences. Offers career exploration opportunities for SkillSource students including field trips to Job Corps facilities.
• Department of Social and Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides services ranging from food and housing assistance to mental health and addiction services. Board member Irasema Ortiz-Elizalde represents DSHS.
• Chelan Douglas Community Action CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization helping individuals and families move out of poverty through the WorkSource partnership.
• OIC of WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization providing community services as part of the One-Stop partnership.
• Department of Services for The BlindminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides services including vocational training for people with a visual disability as part of the WorkSource system.
• Grant County Economic Development CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes economic and workforce development. Board member Brant Mayo serves as Executive Director.
• NCW Economic Development DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes economic and workforce development in North Central Washington as part of the WorkSource partnership.
• Okanogan County Community Action CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit helping individuals and families move out of poverty in Okanogan County.
• Okanogan County Economic AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotes economic development in Okanogan County with support to entrepreneurs through the Small Business Resource & Technology Center.
• Confluence HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system that employs nursing graduates and provides career pathways for SkillSource participants. Board member Crystal Gage represents Confluence Health Omak Clinic.
• Joyson Safety SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing company in Moses Lake that used Incumbent Worker Training for leadership development. Board member Maritza Enriquez serves as HR Manager.
• Stemilt GrowersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgriculture company that employs SkillSource participants. Board member Zach Williams represents Stemilt Growers.
• North Cascades Law GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall law firm that has utilized SkillSource services for hiring and training employees.
• New HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that has utilized SkillSource training and workforce development solutions.
• Okanogan Specialty FruitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgriculture company that utilized SkillSource workforce training services for hiring and upskilling employees.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Large nonprofit operating workforce development, job training, and placement services across the U.S. through a federated local affiliate model. Directly comparable for the workforce mission, career training, and employer-supported placement, but operates at much broader geographic and programmatic scale than SkillSource.

Direct peers

• Year Up: National nonprofit workforce development organization providing technical and professional training combined with internships and job placement for young adults. Highly comparable to SkillSource's career-seeker services, vocational scholarships, and employer-driven placement model, though operating at national rather than regional scale.
• Per Scholas: Nonprofit that provides tuition-free technology and professional skills training with employer partnerships and job placement. Mirrors SkillSource's no-cost-to-participant training model and employer-centric OJT/placement approach, with overlap specifically on IT-related skills training pathways.
• Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council: Adjacent Washington-state WIOA Title I-B designated workforce development board serving Pacific, Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston, Lewis, and Cowlitz counties. Directly comparable as a peer WIOA board operating under the same federal framework, state policy environment, and WorkSource brand.
• WorkForce Central (Pierce County): Another Washington-state WIOA Title I-B designated workforce development board operating with the same WorkSource system alignment. Comparable service mix including OJT, incumbent worker training, business services, and youth programs, with overlap on employer engagement and grant-funded delivery model.
• Seattle Jobs Initiative (Seattle Goodwill/Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County): Workforce development board serving Seattle-King County under the same Washington WIOA structure. Same regulatory designation, same WorkSource branding, and same employer- and career-seeker-facing service portfolio as SkillSource, but with an urban rather than rural service area.

Emerging players

• International Rescue Committee (IRC): Nonprofit delivering workforce development and employment services for refugees, immigrants, and other underserved populations across multiple U.S. cities. Comparable emphasis on training, credentialing, and employer-driven placement, with partial overlap especially on multilingual and newcomer pathways relevant to SkillSource's bilingual (Spanish) outreach.
• Columbia Basin Job Corps: Federal Job Corps center located in SkillSource's broader service region that provides paid residential training for young adults. Adjacent as a youth training provider; SkillSource actively partners with Job Corps for field trips and referrals but is itself a separate pathway, making it a useful comparison point on youth outcomes and federally-funded training models.

Others

• National Skills Coalition: National advocacy and policy organization focused on workforce development funding, WIOA reauthorization, and equitable skills policy. Adjacent to SkillSource as a peer in the national workforce development ecosystem and as a force shaping the federal funding environment on which SkillSource depends.
• Washington Workforce Association: Statewide association representing Washington's WIOA local workforce development boards. SkillSource is a member and active Hill Climb participant, making this a peer in advocacy and policy alignment rather than direct competition for services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/user202378396
• Facebookfacebook.com/skillsourcewa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skillsource
• Instagraminstagram.com/skillsourcewa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SkillSource