Explore Careers, Find a Job, & learn about job growth in Whatcom/Skagit County

In-Demand Career Training/College Programs


Explore Careers

  • This free and local resource can help you discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests!

    Interest survey

    Work opportunities

    Resume builder

    Browse careers

  • “Find career, training, and job search resources just for you.” You can search by zip code, find local in-demand careers, and see the associated wages. We recommend making an account to explore jobs you’re interested in, identify your top careers, and organize all your results in one spot.

    CareerOneStop GetMyFuture Portal

  • “This culturally-relevant guide was created to help Native students prepare for, and successfully navigate, the diverse landscape of job opportunities and sectors of work. Including contributions from Native graduates, professionals and artists, Career Pathways explores best practices and opportunities in and familiar and accessible way.” 


    Find the guidebook here.

  • “What do actuaries or archaeologists really do? What sorts of opportunities will there be in the future for architects or art directors? Imagine yourself in different roles as you explore Major and Career Search. You can find information on more than 300 careers here, which range from air traffic controller to wildlife technician (Five Ways to Find Career Ideas).

    Big Future Career Resource

  • “Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy provides this website allowing students and their families to explore national and state salary data, searchable by degree level and major. Additionally, students can explore up-to-date data on the majors needed to enter a variety of career fields, ranging from agriculture to the social sciences.”

    https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/the-college-payoff/

  • The #1 job search tool for young people.

    Job Search | Get Schooled

  • Gain work experience to kickstart your career.

    Internships – Internship Search and Intern Jobs | Chegg Internships

  • Search jobs by type, median pay, entry-level education, on-the-job training, number of new jobs, and projected growth rates.

    Occupational Handbook

  • “O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more!

    Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Then use comprehensive reports to learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.

    Take advantage of the customized OnLine Help feature available throughout the site. Or, use the available Desk Aid.”

    https://www.onetonline.org/

  • Want to match your pathway to a particular lifestyle? This quick and easy tool helps you do the math to make sure your career sector supports your dreams outside of work.

    Reality Check Calculator

  • Search the demand/decline list to help research local careers and training opportunities that will lead to family wage jobs.

    List of Jobs


Would you like help finding work?

Whether you need a job while you attend school or are ready to join the workforce full time, these local resources that are here to help!

  • “To help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.”

    4152 Meridian Street

    Suite 201

    Bellingham, Washington 98226

    (360) 734-2457

    https://www.expresspros.com/bellingham/job-openings.aspx

  • 242 East College Way 
Mount Vernon, WA 98273 | (360) 848-6468


    Hours: Monday- Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm
Friday by appointment

    Class Schedules

    Jobseeker Resources

  • 1115 E Sunset Dr. 
Bellingham, WA 98226 | (360) 738-0483

    Hours: Monday - Thursday 10 am to 4 pm,
Friday by appointment

    Class schedules

    Jobseeker resources

  • Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) aids young adults both under and over the age of 18. They will assist you with writing your resumes/ cover letters, improving your interview skills, and best of all- finding and applying to hiring companies.

    108 Prospect Street

    Bellingham, WA 98225

    (360) 734-9862

    NWYS Job and School Support

  • Northwest Workforce Council | Job Seeker and Business Services

    “We provide free customized job search, coaching, career planning, and training services that help individuals find a job or advance in their careers.”

    https://nwc-connect.org/

    Contact: info@nwc-connect.org

  • The youth program serves eligible low-income youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers toward employment. Service strategies, developed by workforce providers, prepare youth for employment and/or post-secondary education through strong linkages between academic and occupational learning.

    Employment and Training Center

    2665 Kwina Rd, Bellingham WA. 98226

    (360) 312-2072

  • Youth Employment Services: “Bridging the gap between employers and the workforce of the future.”

    “The YES Whatcom awareness campaign, and this website, create space for families, educators, businesses and policymakers to align with a common goal: To connect youth with local careers while also contributing to the local economy in positive ways.”

    www.yeswhatcom.com

  • Employment and training services for job seekers and employers in Washington.

    101 Prospect Street

    Bellingham, WA 98225

    360-676-1521

    A calendar of support services showcasing events can be found by clicking the green link.

    www.worksourcewa.com

  • Indeed is one of the most popular job search engines. You only have to upload your resume once and it will match you with jobs you’re likely qualified for. You can also use it to search up and review companies as well as compare salaries.

    indeed.com

 
 

Job Growth in Whatcom/Skagit County

According to the 2020-2024 Northwest Workforce Council’s regional workforce plan “Key industry sectors in the region remain: Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Allied Services and Construction. (The cluster analysis below includes multiple factors: (1) regional employment data, (2) regional measure of wages for core industries, and (3) location quotient.) Other factors taken into consideration in determining the key industry sectors include growth potential, career ladder and career path opportunities, qualitative validation, and local training capacity to meet the skill needs of regional employers (http://www.nwboard.org/goals/plan.html).” Below you will find charts from this report that help illustrate these trends along with data on required education for entering those sectors. To read the report in it’s entirety click here: https://nwboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NWC_Regional_Workforce_Plan_2020_DRAFT_FNL.pdf

Skills/education/training needed for key industry sector in-demand jobs.

http://www.nwboard.org/goals/plan.html

http://www.nwboard.org/goals/plan.html