How CCW is supporting career connected learning in 2025 and beyond
As we begin 2025, Career Connect Washington (CCW) continues to make significant strides in connecting young people with meaningful career opportunities while helping employers build sustainable, diverse talent pools.
From innovative training programs and apprenticeships to legislative advocacy, learn more about how CCW is making a real impact across the state.
2025 Legislative Session: Building support for career connected learning
The 2025 Washington state legislative session began January 13 with discussions immediately focused on the $12 billion budget deficit over the next four years. While CCW funding was functionally maintained in former Governor Inslee’s proposed budget released in December, the CCW advocacy team is now working hard to ensure that funding for the initiative is included in the final budget approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Ferguson.
Our collective advocacy in this session is critical. Fortunately, we have amazing student stories to tell. For example, thanks to the Cascade Veterinary Clinics (CVC) Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, young people are already in high-demand veterinary careers. The program is developing well-rounded veterinary professionals by providing participants with practical experience in medical procedures, laboratory work, and client communication.
We will all need to work together to ensure legislators understand why they must continue investments in CCW: enabling young people to connect directly to education and training, credentials, and careers; and offering employers sustainable, diverse talent pools. The CCW advocacy team is scheduling meetings with key legislators, and following up with your lawmakers will make all the difference.
If you want to learn more or get involved in advocacy efforts, review the CCW Legislative Briefing or email Lindsay Berg at [email protected].
Fostering innovation in healthcare training
An example of CCW’s impact is Providence Hospital’s Certified Nursing Assistant training program for English Language Learners in Spokane.
The innovative, six-week program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations. Through a partnership with Spokane Workforce Council, participants receive comprehensive support, including childcare, housing assistance, and PPE supplies – addressing common barriers to career advancement.
“The most important part of the program, to me, would be the skills,” says Amanda Palmer, who was empowered to pursue her healthcare career while also improving her English language abilities through the program. “The instructors made sure we understood everything, and we knew what we were doing next. We’re not just guessing. We actually are confident and ready.”
An employer’s guide to Registered Apprenticeships: breaking down myths and misconceptions
CCW recently created the Registered Apprenticeship Myths Debunked handout, a practical guide to help you address common questions and misconceptions about Registered Apprenticeships when speaking with employers.
Whether you’re meeting with a potential employer partner or sharing information at an industry event, this comprehensive guide provides clear, concise answers to help make the case and show the value of registered apprenticeship programs.
Learn more by downloading the handout on the CCW website.
Forging new paths: Ironworkers Local 86’s commitment to diversity and equity in ironworking
The Ironworkers Local 86’s apprenticeship program in Tukwila is a prime example of how traditional trades can embrace diversity and inclusion.
The four-year apprenticeship program requires participants to complete 6,000 hours of field training, during which they master crucial skills like installing reinforcement bars, welding, and operating heavy equipment. However, Local 86’s program goes beyond technical training, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in construction.
The program currently consists of 322 apprentices – including 7% women, and 60% of apprentices come from historically underserved communities. Additionally, Local 86 partners with the City of Seattle and Washington State Department of Transportation to create opportunities for women, veterans, and second-chance seekers. The program recently partnered with the Women’s Trade Related Apprenticeship Coaching (TRAC) program to help formerly incarcerated women enter the trade.
Local 86 is not just training skilled ironworkers – it’s creating pathways to economic mobility and reshaping the construction industry to be more diverse and inclusive.
Strengthening Washington’s workforce and communities
Through breaking down barriers and building connections between education and employment, CCW is not just building careers – we’re strengthening communities and creating a more inclusive, prosperous Washington for all.