CCE Expands Workforce Training with CREDC Partnership

Project management training highlights customized workforce opportunities

In a room overlooking downtown Vancouver, business professionals from across the region gathered at the Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) offices for an afternoon of learning.  

On Jan. 22, Clark College’s Community and Continuing Education (CCE) program partnered with the CREDC to launch a new professional development training series connecting business professionals with practical, in-demand training. The first session focused on project management, an essential skill set in demand across industries. Businesses represented at the training ranged from the Vancouver Downtown Association and the Port of Ridgefield to Wolf Industries and Nike. 

Before the training had even begun, participants were already in conversation, introducing themselves and making connections. The engagement was intentional, with the first half hour of the session set aside for attendees to network and exchange ideas. 

The training was led by Dan Yeomans, a professor at Northwest University and Green River College, who is certified in project management. Dan kept a lively pace and engaged the room as he emphasized a central theme: everyone is a project manager. Whether participants oversee teams, manage timelines, or balance competing priorities, the tools of project management apply beyond the job title.  

The idea for the series grew out of a chance connection. Lauren Wooten, program manager in CCE, connected with Ilana Cour, business development manager at the CREDC, during a community event. From that conversation, a partnership took place that supports regional workforce needs and gives local businesses a firsthand look at what CCE has to offer. 

“Hopefully, it widens our reach knowing we can offer this service to community businesses while providing an immediate benefit,” she said. 

In addition to one-time trainings, CCE offers opportunities for deeper skill development through customized training for businesses. Dan, for example, teaches a project management certificate program at Green River College through online courses; Clark is allocated a number of spots in the program, creating another pathway for professional growth. 

Through partnerships like this, CCE continues to expand its role as a resource for regional businesses, supporting workforce development while strengthening connections across the community.

Upcoming Trainings

 All sessions will be held at the CREDC offices at 805 Broadway in downtown Vancouver.

• • Managing a Business in Difficult Times — Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m. 
  • Digital Marketing for Business — March 19, 9–11 a.m. 
  • Introduction to Exporting Panel — April 21, 2–4 p.m. 
  • Lean Six Sigma Overview — May 19, 2–4 p.m. 

Learn More About CCE at Clark

Clark College’s Community, Continuing Education, and Customized Training serves nearly 8,000 learners each year through community classes, certificates, CEUs, testing services, and customized workforce training. The program provides high-quality, relevant learning opportunities for lifelong learners and partners with local industry to deliver quick-turn training that strengthens Southwest Washington’s workforce. 

Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing