Roundtable Focuses on Strengthening Pathways

March 27, 2025

WorkForce Central’s Business Solutions team recently hosted an Industry Roundtable discussion with stakeholders in the Construction trades representing Pierce County. Participants included our local colleges, pre-apprenticeship programs, and private businesses. The conversation was incredibly insightful, and it was clear that everyone in the room was deeply committed to strengthening workforce pathways in construction.

Key takeaways from the discussion centered around challenges faced while pursuing an apprenticeship, especially for traditionally marginalized groups. We need stronger connections as they transition from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship to journeyman, so job seekers have clear entry points and access to union pathways.

Ensuring that job seekers identify a trade early increases their success rate in apprenticeship programs. Participants proposed ideas such as union hall tours, career hubs, and clearer pathways to help job seekers enter the trades with union cards and essential tools already in hand.

The group also highlighted a series of systematic challenges, including long waitlists for apprenticeships, low-bid contracts affecting apprenticeship hour requirements, and a lack of tool resources. Participants highlighted the significance of employers investing in their workforce and the role of sponsorship programs in helping individuals enter the trades, which can have a substantial impact.

Childcare and transportation continue to be top challenges for job seekers. Ideas such as a childcare apprenticeship programs and utilizing Early Learning Education students to support trade workers were well received by participants. We must address benefits cliffs, financial hardships during apprenticeship wait periods, and policy-driven access to stipends, training funds, and local hiring agreements.

As we move forward with this ongoing discussion, we also move forward with collaboration and action. The new Eastside Training Center, led by Clover Park Technical College is offering Low Voltage & Construction Trades training this spring, with a focus on high-wage career pathways. This is a collaborative endeavor with much room to grow. Partners in this work are thinking about ways to bring additional training, childcare resources, and more to the location.

Starting in April, WorkForce Central in partnership with Korsmo Construction and other partners, will be holding a Tool Drive for pre-apprenticeship programs and job seekers to expand access to essential tools.

The next Industry Roundtable for Construction will convene during the next quarter. Our team is looking to engage larger employers, school districts, and pre-apprenticeship graduates to bring even more voices into this discussion. This meeting reinforced that we are all committed to breaking down barriers, expanding access, and ensuring that the construction workforce reflects the communities we serve.

If you are interested in participating in a future Roundtable, email businesssolutions@workforce-central.org