Building a Stronger Workforce For Our Community
Event Overview
At the Oregon City Business Alliance November Forum, representatives from Clackamas Community College (CCC) shared how the college is helping build a stronger, more resilient workforce across Clackamas County. The discussion focused on how CCC’s Workforce Development Services and Customized Training and Development teams are bridging education and employment—connecting job seekers with high-demand careers, supporting businesses with skilled talent, and providing professional development that adapts to a changing economy.
The session featured Gabby Sloss, Director of Workforce Development Services, and Julie Hugo, Director of Customized Training and Development Services, joined by CCC President Dr. Tim Cook and Dean of Technology, Applied Sciences, and Public Services Armetta Burney. Together, they described how CCC’s programs address everything from rapid response to layoffs and retraining to long-term skill development and leadership training for local industries.
Speakers
Gabby Sloss – Director of Workforce Development Services, Clackamas Community College
Gabby serves as the Director of Workforce Development Services at Clackamas Community College, leading a team committed to connecting job seekers and employers through training programs, career pathways, and supportive services. With more than a decade of experience in workforce development and community partnerships, Gabby views the workforce as a vital bridge between education and employment—empowering individuals with skills and helping businesses grow. Gabby’s leadership is grounded in collaboration and trust, fostering strong partnerships that promote equitable opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
Julie Hugo – Director of Customized Training and Development Services, Clackamas Community College
Julie Hugo serves as the Director of Customized Training & Development Services at Clackamas Community College, leading a team dedicated to meeting the training and professional development needs of business and industry partners. With extensive experience in human resources, Julie oversees strategic initiatives, mentors staff, and manages budgets and operations to drive workforce development.
Other Speakers
Dr. Tim Cook – President, Clackamas Community College
Dr. Armetta Burney – Dean of Technology, Applied Science & Public Service, Clackamas Community College
Key Takeaways
CCC Connects People and Businesses Through Workforce Services
CCC’s Workforce Development Services helps job seekers gain the skills and confidence to re-enter or advance in the workforce while partnering with employers to fill talent gaps. Programs focus on job placement, retraining, and direct collaboration with industries to meet real-world hiring needs.
Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion Support Both Sides of the Workforce Equation
When layoffs occur, CCC acts quickly—within 24–48 hours—to coordinate rapid response sessions, connecting affected workers with unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and community resources. Equally important is layoff aversion, helping companies stabilize and retain staff before closures happen.
Customized Training Keeps Businesses Competitive
Julie Hugo’s team designs industry-specific professional development—from manufacturing and leadership to project management and health sciences. Courses are offered on-site, on-campus, or online, and tailored to the company’s processes, schedule, and goals.
Long-Term Partnerships Drive Success
CCC has built lasting relationships with organizations like Oregon Tool, Clackamas County, Leatherman, and Shimano, delivering leadership and technical training that aligns with evolving workforce needs. Repeat engagement from industry partners demonstrates the value of CCC’s hands-on approach.
Supporting the Trades and Emerging Sectors
With apprenticeship programs in fields like machining, plumbing, and electrical trades, CCC trains the skilled workers needed for Oregon’s growing industries. The college is also fostering programs in mass timber, manufacturing, and renewable technologies, ensuring the region stays competitive.
Equity, Wraparound Services, and Basic Needs Matter
Recognizing that education alone isn’t enough, CCC provides emergency grants, childcare support, and other wraparound services to ensure students can stay enrolled and succeed. As Dr. Burney noted, “If we don’t address our students’ basic needs, their chances of success are diminished.”
Key Topics & Speaker Highlights
Gabby Sloss – Workforce Development Services
Gabby described how CCC responds rapidly to layoffs and business closures, coordinating with partners like WorkSource Clackamas and the Oregon Employment Department. She highlighted the success of recent rapid response efforts at Willamette Falls Paper Company and Misfits Market, where early coordination helped hundreds of employees transition smoothly to new jobs or training opportunities.
Her message: “A strong, connected workforce is at the heart of a strong Clackamas County.”
Julie Hugo – Customized Training and Development
Julie emphasized CCC’s partnerships with local industries, delivering flexible training that keeps businesses competitive. From leadership development at Oregon Tool to emerging leader workshops in Wilsonville, her department tailors every course to the client’s needs. She underscored that CCC’s long-term success is rooted in listening to employers and co-creating solutions.
Dr. Armida Burney – Dean of Technology and Applied Science
Dr. Burney spoke about CCC’s expanding apprenticeship programs and its commitment to reintroducing CTE courses in high schools. She noted that students in CTE pathways are more likely to graduate and enter high-demand careers. She also detailed CCC’s emergency grant programs that remove barriers such as childcare and housing insecurity.
Dr. Tim Cook – CCC President
Dr. Cook framed the college’s mission under the banner “Education That Works.” He reminded attendees that CCC educates over 1,400 apprentices annually across 11 categories and plays a vital role in both workforce innovation and social mobility. He also reflected on his summer 2025 run—1,411 miles across Oregon’s 17 community colleges—to raise awareness and funds for student basic-needs programs.
Expanded Q&A
Q1: Are there really enough layoffs to justify a rapid response team?
Gabby Sloss: Each quarter, the region typically sees two to three business closures or layoffs, particularly in hospitality and manufacturing. CCC’s coordinator convenes local partners—WorkSource, unemployment offices, and the Oregon Health Plan—to support both employers and workers.
Q2: How does CCC measure success?
Gabby Sloss & Julie Hugo: By tracking employment outcomes, retention rates, and average wages after training. CCC also monitors repeat business engagement and participant feedback to ensure programs meet industry needs.
Q3: How is CCC preparing for AI and automation?
Dr. Cook: “AI won’t take your job—but someone who knows how to use AI will.” CCC is integrating AI literacy across all programs so students can adapt to emerging technologies in any field.
Q4: What about support for long-term care and caregiving industries?
Julie Hugo: CCC’s Health Sciences division, based at the Harmony Campus, offers gerontology courses and is exploring new partnerships to train caregivers and meet the growing demand for eldercare workers.
Q5: How is CCC encouraging more women in the trades?
Julie Hugo & Dr. Burney: Through Women in Manufacturing events, career fairs, and CTE camps that introduce high school students to hands-on careers. Businesses are also invited to sponsor students through the CCC Foundation.
Q6: What wraparound services exist for students balancing work and family?
Dr. Burney: CCC provides childcare grants, housing assistance, food pantries, and emergency funding to help students stay in school and complete their programs.
Conclusion
The November OCBA Forum showcased how Clackamas Community College is investing in the future of the region’s workforce. From immediate support during layoffs to long-term training partnerships that sustain local industries. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity, CCC continues to fulfill its mission of providing education that works.
Thank you for reading! Share this post and help keep Oregon City businesses informed. Also consider coming to our next Oregon City Business Alliance Forum. If you agree with the mission of the OCBA consider becoming a member.
This forum was sponsored by Clackamas Community College
