The Southern Willamette Research Corridor has identified Workforce Development as one of the most important areas where coordinated action by education, business and government can help improve the economic development opportunities of the region. SWRC is directing its actions in the area based on the following principles:

	Availability of a well-trained workforce is critical to the success of businesses in the southern Willamette Valley.
	Training for the existing workforce is a priority; several programs already exist for the emerging and transitional workforce.
	Distance learning (Internet courses, telecourses, interactive video courses) is an increasingly important way of delivering training to the existing workforce. Technology resources and telecommunications infrastructure must be in place to support distance learning.
	State financial support for community college and university programs that provide workforce-training services to business and industry is critical to facilitate joint public/private workforce initiatives.