An instructor teaches a team of students on the use of a CNC machine.

Training the workforce of the future.

Washington State is consistently singled out for the quality and expertise of its top-tier talent. One of the reasons for this is the public-private partnerships that have been forged statewide to focus on training and education, not only for the skills needed now, but the skills needed well into the future. Following are just a few of the programs responsible for creating the workforce of the future in Washington State.

Centers of Excellence

Our 11 Centers of Excellence focus on the specific key sectors that drive the state’s economy and are built upon a reputation for fast, flexible, quality education and training programs that meet the current and emerging needs of Washington businesses.

IMPACT Washington

IMPACT Washington is a statewide program that helps businesses become more competitive and profitable. It is staffed by seasoned industry professionals with expertise in a diverse range of industries, products and services.  From lean manufacturing to marketing, the program provides one-on-one consultations, customized training and educational seminars.

Job Skills Program

If your company needs a customized training program, our Job Skills Program can help you connect with a local community college to design and teach it. The program creates employment opportunities in communities with high unemployment rates, high rates of poverty, and communities impacted by large-scale job loss. JSP funds half of the training cost; partner employers provide a cash or in-kind match to fund the other half.

Workforce Development Councils (WDC)

Workforce Development Councils help residents become employed, re-enter the workforce or move ahead in their careers.  The WDC is a statewide network of offices established to collaborate with community leaders, employers, job seekers and unions.  Its mission is to create healthy and stable economies and identify workforce gaps.  The results include employer-driven job training, job seeker services and strategic planning.

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board maintains a statewide network of offices that work closely with community leaders, employers, job seekers and unions to identify workforce gaps to ensure the state has a steady supply of highly skilled workers in key sectors. The board oversees a workforce development system that includes 18 education and training programs receiving almost $1 billion annually in funding.

Washington Customized Training Program

The Washington Customized Training Program provides businesses with employee training that is delivered at the local community college, technical center or private career college level. Eligible programs can include skills assessment, evaluation, training equipment, materials, facilities, supplies and provide training in basic education and skills, technical skills and job-related instruction, and English as a second language.

College Training Programs 

Washington businesses can access this one-stop resource for employee training at 34 Community and Technical Colleges across the state. Businesses can search for colleges that provide training in a particular subject and request proposals for customized training.

WorkSource Labor Analysis

A division of Washington State Employment Security Department, WorkSource is an invaluable resource for employers, providing in-depth labor information about the Washington job market.

office hours

M-F: 8am - 5pm

Address

2001 Sixth Ave., Suite 2600, Seattle, WA  98121

Phone

(206) 256-6100