A Brief History
The Oregon Employment & Training Association (OETA, as it was know for many years) began in 1984 as a Professional Development association for employment & training staff, directors, and state staff. From its inception, OETA has fulfilled the need for skill building, training, professional development and recognition of outstanding contributions. Through its continuous, persevering efforts over time, OETA has helped forge a profession out of "what most people started out doing until they found a real job".

It was with the dawning of new Federal legislation, the Workforce Investment Act, when the Oregon Employment & Training Association transcended beyond its original membership and found many more organizations and individuals eager to join the professional movement in workforce.

OregonETA serves members from over 100 different government and community-based employment programs, private practitioners and businesspeople.

Recent growing recognition of the special skills and knowledge needed to provide quality services to diverse job seekers and businesses in Oregon's up and down economy have reinforced the long-standing mission of the Oregon Employment & Training Association which is: "Professional Development for individuals within Oregon's Workforce System".

Leadership Structure
:: Membership - Membership is open to all interested in Workforce Development. Members volunteer for various committees, make donations to the Silent Auction, write articles for the association newsletter, and take part in the recognition process as recipients and nominators.

:: Workforce Regions - Membership is counted per Oregon's 15 Workforce Regions every June 15th. Regions with at least 15 members may elect one Board Member. Regions with 30 members or more may elect 2 Board Members.  At-large Board Members represent regions with less than 15 members.

:: Board Members - Board members are responsible for the activities of the association.  They lead all the committee work, organize regional training, select scholarship and awards recipients, represent their region, and strategize plans for the association. Board members serve a two-year term.

:: Officers - Officers are elected by the Board and serve a one-year term.

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