Creating Pathways to Good Jobs in Construction, Manufacturing
October 16, 2024
Through the Washington Jobs Initiative, WorkForce Central, in partnership with local trades programs and colleges, is helping support the next generation of workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
More than 70% of jobs created in Washington require a postsecondary credential, yet only about 40% of young people currently hold one. To bridge this gap and help more individuals secure family-sustaining wages, the Washington Jobs Initiative was launched with the support of a $23.5 million Good Jobs Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The initiative is led by The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), in partnership with Career Connect Washington, and prioritizes serving historically underserved populations, including women; Black, Latine, Indigenous and Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander individuals; and those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students work together to build a tiny home as part of Palmer Pathways’ pre-apprenticeship program. Photo Courtesy of Palmers.
At the heart of this initiative are registered apprenticeships and technical training programs designed to help students pursue in-demand careers. WorkForce Central is supporting these efforts locally by leading initiatives in two major sectors: construction and manufacturing. Through partnerships with Palmer Pathways and AJAC, WorkForce Central is fully funding student pathways, ensuring participants have the resources needed to succeed.
Through the initiative, WorkForce Central is covering costs for students to go through Palmers’ Pathways pre-apprenticeship program for construction and trades as well as AJAC’s Advanced Manufacturing Academy.
Beyond funding these opportunities, we are also providing wraparound support services, including employment and career placement, for students enrolled at Bates Technical College and Clover Park Technical College in related programs including HVAC, welding, electrical, contracting, and advanced manufacturing. These services are critical in helping students navigate the transition from education to employment, ensuring they can graduate and step into good-paying jobs. Bates and Clover Park were allocated $100,000 to further support these students as they near completion of their programs, allowing them to help students in other aspects of their lives to ensure they finish. Services can include things like rent support, equipment or clothing purchases required for starting a new job, and more.
As of July 31, more than 200 people have enrolled in a training program through the initiative, with more than 110 already successfully completing their program. Of those, 30% have successfully found employment.
In the coming months, WorkForce Central will remain focused on delivering supportive services, ensuring that more Pierce County residents have access to the training and education they need to thrive in today’s economy.
