Work Experience Program Resource for Businesses and Youth
Looking to build your workforce while making a difference in the lives of young professionals? The Work Experience Program (WEX) is a chance to connect with eager job seekers and shape the next generation of employees—all at no cost to you!
The WEX program, coordinated by WorkSource, provides employers with direct access to motivated young adults seeking employment and work experience opportunities. You’ll have the chance to interview candidates and hire youth for a Work Experience Program—fully supported through WorkSource’s strategic workforce initiatives.
Why Participate?
- No Cost, High Reward – There’s no fee to participate, and you gain direct access to entry-level talent.
- Work Experience Support – Eligible hires can participate in a structured work experience program through WorkSource, reducing training costs and providing young workers with career-building opportunities.
- Expand Your Talent Pipeline – Develop a workforce that grows with your business while helping young adults gain critical skills and experience.
This program is ideal for businesses in all industries looking to fill entry-level roles, seasonal positions, or internships. Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, or administration, this is your chance to find motivated young workers ready to contribute.
For more information about the WEX program, contact Juanita Brown, Business Solutions Navigator, by email at jbrown@thurstonchamber.com or call (509) 557-0484.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q) What is Work Experience (WEX)?
A) WEX is a fully paid youth internship program that connects businesses with young adults (ages 17-24) seeking hands-on experience.
Q) How does my business benefit?
A) No labor costs – WorkSource covers 100% of wages for six weeks (20 hours per week). A) Risk-free trial – Evaluate a candidate’s fit before making a hiring decision. A) Fresh talent pipeline – Train and mentor potential future employees at no cost.
Q) What industries or businesses can participate?
A) Any business—big or small—looking to train, mentor, and develop young workers while filling staffing gaps.
Q) Do I need to put them on my payroll?
A) No. WorkSource handles all payroll responsibilities.
Q) What type of training is required?
A) Businesses can provide training in basic customer service, hands-on industry skills, workplace professionalism. WorkSource Business Services professionals are available to help you develop a training plan.
Q) What do businesses need to do on the day of the event?
A) First, be ready to interview – meet with motivated young adults interested in gaining hands-on experience. Then, select your intern – at the end of the event, choose the participant you’d like to bring on for a fully paid WEX internship. It’s that simple! WorkSource handles the rest.
Q) Are there any additional forms besides the sign-up form?
A) Only if you decide to become a WEX site and hire a participant. If you decide to hire, there is a training agreement required. Young adults will sign an IEP Training Agreement outlining the partnership between the business and the participant.
Q) What if I can’t participate in this event but want to have a Work Experience participant?
A) You can still sign up for a WorkSource-funded internship, contact Juanita Brown at (509) 557-0484
More About the Work Experience Program
The Work Experience Program (WEX), coordinated by WorkSource, provides structured short-term employment opportunities for young adults. Employers benefit from wage support and mentorship resources while helping participants gain real-world skills.
WorkSource, in partnership with Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council (PacMtn), provides recruitment assistance, candidate pre-screening, and wage assistance for eligible hires in the Work Experience Program.