Aligning efforts to expand equitable career connected learning opportunities

Career Connect Washington (CCW) has been hard at work supporting the growth of high-quality career connected learning (CCL) programs across the state. 

Read on to learn how we are making steady progress in providing all Washington young people access to life-changing opportunities, from developing new resources to engaging employers and celebrating program achievements. 

How the Washington Jobs Initiative is expanding access to trades

As part of the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI), CCW is working to address the historical challenges faced by women and BIPOC communities in accessing trade careers through innovative programs and outreach. While skilled trades offer stability and growth opportunities, systemic barriers—including limited access to training, financial constraints, lack of mentorship, and discrimination—have significantly impacted these groups.

The Mobile Training Lab, operated by the Machinists Institute, tackles these issues head-on by providing intensive training, hands-on experience, and crucial support to prepare participants for pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs. A state-of-the-art facility on wheels, the Mobile Training Lab brings awareness and opportunities directly to underserved areas, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a supportive environment. 

The program’s success is already building confidence and opening doors for aspiring tradespeople from diverse backgrounds, with participant Evan Flores noting, “The teachers were great. They helped us a lot. Anything we needed, they were there.” Flores participated in the first pilot cohort, which was hosted by the Puyallup tribe.

Spokane launches healthcare careers with first CNA for ELL program

Certified Nursing Assistant Training for English Language Learners, a pioneering program offered by Providence Hospital in Spokane, addresses a critical workforce gap in Washington state. This initiative, funded by the Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) operates under the Spokane Workforce Council’s Healthcare Talent Pipeline Development (HCTPD) program. 

The 12-week program, which includes 11 weeks of integrated training followed by state certification testing, celebrated a milestone this fall with seven students from immigrant and refugee backgrounds earning their CNA certifications. The curriculum integrates essential healthcare training with dedicated English language support, preparing graduates for immediate employment in Washington’s healthcare sector.

Through a partnership with the Spokane Workforce Council (SWC), the program provides comprehensive support services including childcare assistance, housing support, and essential supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE). “WJI funding has really helped us by investing in these folks, so when they arrive here, they can immediately start in a career pathway within healthcare,” explains Mark Mattke, CEO of the Spokane Workforce Council, highlighting how this initiative creates sustainable solutions for both the healthcare system and immigrant communities.

CCW convenes statewide partners to align equity, data & funding priorities

Hosted at ESD 123, regional and statewide partners met in Pasco in October to share information, learn from each other, and strategize on ways to align efforts in achieving CCW goals. The two-day event brought together Regional Network Directors, Career Connected Learning Coordinators, Sector Leaders, and Statewide team members to discuss key topics, including using data to guide program development, promoting equity for communities furthest from opportunity, and securing funding and resources to expand equitable student opportunities statewide.

As part of the convening, the CCW Leadership Team shared updates and announcements and engaged participants around a shared vision and priorities for CCW. The event also highlighted major wins, including enhancements to the Program Builders grant cycle applications (Round 13) and the Career Launch Endorsement process.

Engage employers with new resources from CCW

Employers are a critical partner in creating and operating career connected learning programs. With this in mind, CCW has created new messaging and materials for CCW partners to encourage new and existing employer engagement and development of CCL programs. These handouts, presentations, and resource videos are designed to:

  • Educate employers about the three types of career connected learning programs: Career Explore, Career Prep, and Career Launch.
  • Outline the key advantages for employers, including increased employee retention and creating a diverse talent pipeline.
  • Address potential employer concerns, such as time commitments, financial costs, and recruitment challenges.
  • Provide concrete examples and statistics demonstrating the value of these programs.
  • Connect interested employers with CCW’s network of Program Builders who can tailor programs to specific business needs.

In addition to equipping partners with clear, digestible key messages, these resources include impact data and case studies to help inform employers of the benefits of participating in CCL programs. You can download the Employer Engagement handout. You can also learn about career connected learning programs in action, within the environmental science and healthcare sectors.

Building the next generation of Washington’s workforce

Through employer engagement, targeted workforce development initiatives, and cross-collaborative efforts, CCW is steadily expanding access to life-changing career connected learning for young people across the state.