Washington
Workforce Success Stories
CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORIES
WORKFORCE EXPERTS
Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board
Eleni Papadakis, Executive Director
128 10th Avenue SW
PO Box 43105
Olympia, WA 98504
KEY WORKFORCE PRIORITIES
1.
Youth: Ensure all youth receive the education, training, and support they need for success in postsecondary education and/or work.
2.
Adult: Provide Washington adults (including those with barriers to education and employment) with access to lifelong education, training, and employment services.
3.
Business & Industry: Meet the workforce needs of industry by preparing students, current workers, and dislocated workers with the skills employers need.
FAST FACTS
- Washington is ranked 14th in percentage job growth since the recession began (December 2007). It increased at more than 10 times the average percentage growth rate at the national level (1.6% compared to the national rate of 0.1%).
- Washington launched a Military Transition Council that helps service members transition to civilian life. The Council is the first of its kind in the nation and was started in 2013 by Executive Order from Gov. Jay Inslee. Washington ranks seventh in the country in the number of military personnel and is home to over 600,000 veterans.
- Washington's businesses and employees are competitive globally; the state is the 4th largest exporter in the U.S.
- Washington is home to one out of five of the nation's aerospace jobs--the highest aerospace employment of any state. Washington's Legislature recently invested $8 million in 21 state community and technical colleges to grow 1,000 new enrollment slots in high-demand aerospace programs across the state.
LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS
Find local Workforce Development Boards in this state
INNOVATION VIDEOS
INNOVATION STORIES
WORKFORCE TESTIMONIALS
"My new job as a truck driver is going very well and I am working for an excellent company. As you know, I spent 35 years working in the engineering and construction industry, but that industry was hit hard. Even with my BS in engineering and an MBA, I was unable to find work for the past 3 years. I got tired of hearing I was overqualified and getting no job offers."
"Thank you for paying for my CDL training. The trucking industry seems to be a good place to make a living, if you don't mind long hours. I encourage your organization to continue to support unemployed individuals, like myself, to obtain training for a new career. Thank you again for the opportunity and the support for getting back to 'life'."
"Thank you for paying for my CDL training. The trucking industry seems to be a good place to make a living, if you don't mind long hours. I encourage your organization to continue to support unemployed individuals, like myself, to obtain training for a new career. Thank you again for the opportunity and the support for getting back to 'life'."
Mike Whitfield
"I attended a series of free career planning and personality assessment workshops. After I was done, I was able to identify how my personality was perfect for my chosen career path as a medical "I knew I needed to look into other alternatives for improving everything relating to my job search, and taking the workshops and attending the Job Club meetings has been so useful. From tailoring resumes, effective job search techniques, proper interview etiquette, and so much more - we covered it. Other benefits include the individual support from our case managers and also from other cohort members."
"This program (RISE*) is essential to an in-transition professional like me. Since starting the program I have become more confident, self-assured, tenacious, encouraged, and prepared. I am grateful to have joined this program and I plan to continue until I land “the position” (not a job) that I have prepared so much for. Thank you!". I found new confidence on the job and in my personal relationships as a result of this."
"This program (RISE*) is essential to an in-transition professional like me. Since starting the program I have become more confident, self-assured, tenacious, encouraged, and prepared. I am grateful to have joined this program and I plan to continue until I land “the position” (not a job) that I have prepared so much for. Thank you!". I found new confidence on the job and in my personal relationships as a result of this."
Margie Mapili-Wiseman
"Recently, after working my entire life, I was laid off from my job and having a difficult time. I applied for WIA benefits; I was interested in attending the University of Washington and after a couple months I was accepted. Since then, I completed the Construction Management Program, received a Certificate and I am now back to work making $58,000 with full benefits. WIA helped pay for tuition and books; without WIA assistance I would not have had the resources to complete this program. The people at WorkSource were very helpful through the entire 1.5 years while I was attending school and still follow up with me to this day."
