In the News

Dozens of people who helped clean up in the aftermath of the Oso landslide are about to lose their jobs.

But they're hoping the experience they gained through that disaster will help them start a new chapter in life.

"In Darrington, you have the mill, and IGA, and a couple gas stations, but that's about it," said 19-year-old Ward Hoftell, one of dozens of people in Snohomish County who've been working under a temporary Department of Labor grant, meant to provide jobs after the Oso landslide.

They cleaned up debris, cleared trails, and helped the area recover. But that grant runs out next month, which is why they attended a job fair co-hosted by the University of Washington Bothell, WorkSource, and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene on Monday. Employers like Boeing, AT&T, Starbucks, and several others gave the workers a few minutes of their time.

"They have current references, they've got some money in their pocket, we've done some work with them getting their resume ready, getting interview ready, so they're as prepared as they can be for positions starting this fall," said Amy Persell, Chief Program Officer for Workforce Snohomish.

After checking out US Customs and Border Protection, Hoftell found a lead with an auto repair company.

"I want something I can stick with for a good amount of time," he said.

Not everyone could make the trip down to King County, so employers and job seekers plan to gather for another event in Darrington on Thursday.