Immigrants, Refugees and Non-Native English Speakers (Portland)

Finding a Job in Portland if You Don’t Speak English

If you don’t speak English, there are fewer jobs available for you in Portland. However, there are some companies in Portland who do hire non-English speaking employees. Contact your nearest One Stop Center if you are interested in working with one of these companies.

Some types of work available to job seekers with limited English:

• nursery and landscaping work
• warehousing
• manufacturing
• housekeeping
• summer agricultural work
• food processing

Find out what documentation you need to find a job or get help at a One Stop Center.

Take English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes to learn or improve your English language skills and find a better job.

Organizations that can help you find training or a job if you don't speak English:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)
10301 NE Glisan
Portland, OR 97212
Phone: (503) 234-1541
Services: IRCO helps refugees, immigrants, and limited-English speaking youth and adults prepare for and find a job. IRCO offers career coaching, vocational training, support services and job placement.

PCC/MHCC Career Pathways
Portland Community College
Mount Hood Community College
Phone: (503) 788-6218
Services: Career Pathways offers special programs and career opportunities just for non-native speakers. You can get started in a new career in just a few months. They offer short-term training and education in occupations including Health care worker or caregiver, office worker, and food service worker. You can also get help finding a job when your training is complete.

Career Pathways:

• Programs are just 3 to 6 months long
• Day and evening classes are available
• Classes are scheduled together to save you time--there’s no waiting in between
• Programs are offered for non-native speaking students
• All classes are taken with the same students throughout the program, so you’ll learn in a supportive, group environment
• Career Planning Classes help you plan to get where you want to be in the future
• Job Placement Services and Internships help you find a job
• Certificates of Completion are presented when you finish the program
• Financial aid is available through PCC if you qualify