SJI provides qualified, entry-level employees and interns to employers.  We also offer low-income Seattle residents access to career growth opportunities and subsequently the ability to support themselves and their families through living wage careers. 

We connect employers with untapped talent –  SJI helps companies access quality entry-level employees who are highly motivated and who possess strong soft skills.  

We improve employers' recruitment pipeline by assisting companies in establishing internship programs, which many employer partners have described as a “3 month interview”. 

Connecting employers with the right talent has given us a 70 percent retention rate after one year.

We value soft skills – As part of our curriculum, we teach attributes and attitudes that equip individuals to succeed as workers, lending to future success in the workplace.  In order to graduate from SJI’s program, students must demonstrate competency in soft skills such as self-awareness, self-discipline, persistence and empathy.

We provide support during retention – A retention specialist will maintain contact with and proactively support your employee for at least one year after hire.  If necessary, the retention specialist will connect your SJI employee to life management resources such as:

• Childcare
• Transportation
• Financial literacy training
• English as a Second Language
• Continuing education and training

We impact your company’s bottom line – When you consider that it costs an employer $6000.00 to recruit, hire and train one entry-level worker, employers receive significant savings by partnering with SJI.

We are responsive to employers’ needs – Our Employer Partner Board meets quarterly to offer feedback and suggestions that directly influence our training programs. SJI’s employer liaison is available to help you with your staffing, internship and retention needs. 

We maintain high standards – Before entering SJI’s program, students undergo a thorough application and assessment process.

We share labor market information – Our in-house policy professionals support employers by providing well-researched and synthesized labor market information critical to effective business and human resources decisions.