April News

TOP NEWS

WA State Labor Council hosts data forum today

Workforce Board staff will present at a virtual conference on occupational data hosted by the Washington State Labor Council today from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Occupational data collected from state wage records is a more precise way to understand what people do for work, and where they go after completing their education and training. This information helps Washington better plan workforce investments, identify skills gaps and measure outcomes from education programs, for example. Soon, this data will show on Career Bridge, enabling potential students to view the most common jobs graduates enter after completing an education program, along with the percentage of full-time and part-time workers (and their wages) within a particular occupation. Washington is among the first states in the nation to collect job title data from employers via quarterly wage records.

The conference is hosted by the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001, in partnership with the state Employment Security Department and Workforce Board.

New Matrix poster available

The Workforce Board’s popular workforce system poster, known as the Matrix, is now available. The Workforce Board provides independent evaluation and analysis of the state’s key workforce programs —including employment and earnings results among participants and the return on investment to taxpayers and the state’s economy.

Nearly 570,000 Washingtonians were served by 23 programs in our latest snapshot of workforce program results. For example, the Worker Retraining Program managed by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges produced a 74% employment rate and a $315 million positive economic impact over 10 years. Email workforce@wtb.wa.gov for a free copy today.

OTHER NEWS

Effort to boost national shipbuilding workforce underway, including Washington

Workforce development is the biggest challenge for U.S. shipbuilding, which needs an additional 250,000 workers over the next decade, the independent news site Work Shift reports.

The federal government has pledged $7.7 billion over six years to develop the workforce, and employers are experimenting with innovative solutions. This story explores training offered by Accelerated Training and Defense Manufacturing in Danville, Va. Companies from around the nation are sending their employees to an intensive, four-month training program, where they receive education, an apartment, transportation and likely a job at the end of the process.

Likewise, South Seattle College offers a six-month intensive program in partnership with Vigor Industrial to prepare students for shipyard jobs that start at $34 an hour plus benefits. Other Washington training partners include Maritime High School in Des Moines, Skagit Valley College, Maritime|253, The Port of Seattle and Northwest Maritime, among others.

Washington’s maritime industry supports 2,300 companies that employ about 62,000 workers, state officials report. And nearly one quarter of the nation’s 117 shipyards are located in Washington.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week April 26-May 2

National Apprenticeship Week kicks off Monday, and offers a chance to showcase the success and value of registered apprenticeships.

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee is starting early with a special event later today at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center in Everett. The annual Apprentice Career and Job Fair features more than 30 apprenticeship programs from Western Washington, including plumbers and pipefitters, operating engineers, carpenters, meat cutters and other trades.

“Explore hands-on activities, ask questions, and learn directly from programs about their training, career pathways, and opportunities to get started,” event organizers report.

The Workforce Board’s research team tracks the impact of apprenticeships through the Workforce Training Results. Insights include:

• Employment rate: 92% for those that completed the program
• Earnings: $103,200 a year for those that completed the program
• 10-year economic impact: $5.1 billion

Registered apprenticeship is a high-quality career pathway where employers can build a skilled workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Learn more from the state Department of Labor & Industries.

Department of Health seeks volunteers for Youth Advisory Council

Young people are encouraged to learn more and apply for a spot on the Department of Health’s Youth Advisory Council by April 30.

The council is a community engagement group of young people ages 13 to 22. Members ensure young people’s voices and perspectives are represented in public health programming and projects that impact them.

Members work closely with department staff to help shape programs that support teen and young adult health. They also contribute to other organizations’ work that impacts young people, including the Washington State Health Care Authority and the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Applications are open now and close Thursday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. Apply today.

March News

TOP NEWS

State Board of Education, Superintendent Chris Reykdal lead April 3 Workforce Board agenda

State Board of Education officials are scheduled to discuss a review of high school graduation requirements, known as the FutureReady initiative, at the April 3 Workforce Board meeting.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is also scheduled to speak at April’s meeting. Other presentations include an update on the state workforce system’s actions to help job seekers meet federal work requirements to remain eligible for Medicaid and SNAP food assistance; and updates on the rollout of Workforce Pell grants, a new federal financial aid program focused on short-term job training. Agenda details will be available here on March 27.

The meeting, which includes virtual options, is scheduled for Friday, April 3 at 9 a.m. in the John A. Cherberg Building, 304 15^th Ave. S.W., Room ABC, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.

New Where Are You Going guides available

The Workforce Board is pleased to announce an updated 2026-29 Where Are You Going? career guide. This free booklet walks students and job seekers step by step through figuring out interests, exploring careers and choosing a path after high school. It also includes information about high demand jobs, what they pay, and what education and training is needed to work in those careers. Order your copies today.

2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Gov. Bob Ferguson signs measure to boost wellness training in the building trades

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a measure to address escalating mental health and substance abuse risk in the construction trades on March 9. House Bill 2492, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Nance, D-Kitsap, requires state registered apprentices and journey-level workers in the building and construction trades to receive behavioral health and wellness training.

Overdose and suicide deaths now far outpace jobsite fatalities, the Center for Construction Research and Training reports. Ferguson called the measure an “important tool for empowerment and support” for Washingtonians who work in the trades.

The companion bill was sponsored by State Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest.

OTHER NEWS

Expanding rural healthcare careers: Council report charts path forward

A new report from the Workforce Board’s Health Workforce Council examines the most pressing challenges facing Washington’s healthcare workforce with a strong focus on rural communities. Key recommendations include coordinated strategies to expand healthcare career opportunities for rural youth, addressing affordability of health professional education and increasing access to child care for both healthcare students and workers.

The report also includes updated data on education and training trends, and progress reports on statewide dental and nursing workforce efforts.

State law directs the Workforce Board to convene the Health Workforce Council to advise state policymakers on how to address health workforce issues. Members include healthcare employers, labor, state agencies, educators, state associations, community-based organizations, and more.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Workforce Pell information session scheduled for March 20

Washington is preparing to launch Workforce Pell, a new federal expansion of Pell Grants that will allow eligible students to use financial aid for high-quality, short-term workforce training programs beginning July 1, 2026. This change has important implications for employers, colleges, training providers, workforce leaders, counselors, and learners across our state.

Please join an information session convened by the Office of Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Workforce Pell Cross-Agency Steering Committee on March 20 from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PDT. Attendees will learn how Washington is approaching this opportunity and what this means for your organization.

Register Here.

Veterans education group creates new scholarship in honor of John Murray

The Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES) has established a scholarship in honor of the late John Murray, who managed veterans education at the Workforce Board for many years.

Murray, an accomplished Navy veteran, led the Workforce Board’s effort to ensure quality education and training offerings for military personnel, veterans and their families using their GI Bill® benefits.

“The John Murray Education Award was established to honor the late John Murray of the Washington state approving agency for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering advocacy for veterans in education,” the association reports. “His legacy continues to inspire excellence and dedication among those who serve our nation’s military-affiliated students.”

February News

TOP NEWS

Gov. Ferguson appoints Sims, Irwin to co-chair Washington Workforce Board

Business, labor leaders to help guide state workforce policy

Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed two prominent labor and business leaders to co-chair the Washington Workforce Board, the lead policy agency for the state’s workforce development system and investments.

April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will represent labor.

Sims leads Washington’s largest union organization, representing more than 600,000 members. She is the first woman to serve as labor council president, and first Black woman elected as president of an AFL-CIO state federation.

Morgan Irwin, vice president of government affairs at the Association of Washington Business, will represent business. Irwin, a former state representative, leads the association’s legislative and policy work at the local, state and federal level. The Association of Washington Business is the state’s oldest and largest business association representing all industry sectors throughout Washington. Read more.

Friday Workforce Board meeting features legislative, career and technical education updates

The Workforce Board meets virtually this Friday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. The agenda includes career and technical education negotiated performance levels, a presentation of a proposed workforce dashboard, and a review of the state’s federal workforce development plan before it is posted for public comment. In addition, the board will hear a legislative update on bills impacting the workforce system.

Learn more and register for Friday’s meeting here.

Friday Workforce Board meeting features legislative, career and technical education updates

The Workforce Board meets virtually this Friday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. The agenda includes career and technical education negotiated performance levels, a presentation of a proposed workforce dashboard, and a review of the state’s federal workforce development plan before it is posted for public comment. In addition, the board will hear a legislative update on bills impacting the workforce system.

Learn more and register for Friday’s meeting here.

OTHER NEWS

February is Career and Technical Education Month

February is career and technical education (CTE) month, and a chance to celebrate how CTE equips Washington students with real-world skills and connections to high-demand careers.

Washington students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, engineering, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and much more. New insights from the Workforce Board’s research team show these highlights of career and technical education in Washington:

• More than 87,000 community and technical college students gained technical and career ready skills through CTE programs in 2023-24
• More than 193,000 students in grades 9-12 gained technical and career-ready skills through CTE programs in 2023-24
• State and federal investments totaled $1.25 billion during that time
• Community and technical college students who participated in professional and technical training had a 10-year economic impact of $17.9 billion

The Workforce Board manages federal funds received through the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). This investment supports hands-on, career-focused learning that prepares students for success in today’s workforce. Perkins funds are allocated to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Workforce Board to support career and technical education throughout the state.

2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Lawmakers consider measure to boost wellness training in the building trades

Washington lawmakers are considering a measure to address behavioral health and substance abuse risk in the building and construction trades. House Bill 2492, sponsored by State Rep. Greg Nance, D-Kitsap, would require state registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades to provide behavioral health and wellness training, reports The Stand, an online newsletter of the Washington State Labor Council.

Overdose and suicide deaths now far outpace jobsite fatalities, the Center for Construction Research and Training reports. Nationwide in 2023, there were 982 fatal jobsite injuries among construction workers, with 15,910 fatal overdoses and 5,095 suicides.

Dale Marti, business representative for Local 48 IBEW, told lawmakers he has known union members who died by suicide. He later took training, and as a steward on job sites, people have since asked him for help.

“Because I’d received that training, I was able to get them to the care they needed,” Marti said.

Nova Gattman, the Workforce Board’s deputy executive director and legislative liaison, testified on the bill before the House Labor and Workplace Standards committee.

“Requiring training on behavioral health resources for building trades apprentices is an appropriate way for this body to support resilience for individuals, and that critical awareness to watch out for signs that one of their colleagues may be struggling, and needs additional support,” Gattman said.

The bill passed the House on Feb. 10. The companion bill is sponsored by State Sen. T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest.

EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Get FAFSA info on Career Bridge

The Workforce Board supports Gov. Bob Ferguson’s initiative to help Washington students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This initiative is part of an executive order expanding access to financial aid for college, apprenticeships, and other post-high school training. Learn more in the Pay for Education section on the state’s public-facing career-and-education portal, Career Bridge. Learn more about Career Bridge here.

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 Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks on an outstanding season and Super Bowl win! 

January News

TOP NEWS

Governor names Maddy Thompson Workforce Board acting director

Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed Maddy Thompson as acting executive director of the Workforce Board.

Thompson recently served as the agency’s director of policy, strategy and research. She has broad policy, strategic planning, and public affairs experience. Her past roles include serving as an education advisor in the Governor’s Office under Gov. Jay Inslee, and as a research analyst in the Washington House of Representatives. She also led policy and government relations at the Washington Student Achievement Council and worked for several years prior to that as a policy analyst at the Workforce Board.

“The Workforce Board’s research and policy development support a strong business climate and living wage jobs throughout Washington,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working with lawmakers, board members and partners across the state to create strategies that help students, workers, and employers succeed.”

Board Co-Chair Gary Chandler, representing business, expressed his support.

“The Workforce Board is in good hands with Maddy Thompson,” said Chandler, former vice president at the Association of Washington Business. “She brings outstanding leadership and expertise to the agency. We’re lucky to have her on our team.”

Acting Co-Chair Cherika Carter, representing labor, also endorsed Thompson’s appointment.

“We’re grateful Maddy has stepped up to lead the Workforce Board during this transition,” said Carter, secretary-treasurer at the Washington State Labor Council. “Her leadership will be important as we continue advancing the Board’s vision—centering workers, job quality, and shared prosperity—while we move forward with the search for the next Executive Director.”

Chandler and Carter also thanked the agency’s former executive director, Eleni Papadakis, for her many years of state service.

“We greatly appreciate Eleni’s dedication to the Workforce Board and the people of Washington,” Chandler and Carter said in a joint statement.

Thompson began her new role last week. She looks forward to connecting with Board members and other stakeholders at the Jan. 23 Workforce Board meeting in Olympia.

Workforce Board meets Friday to focus on Workforce Pell

The Workforce Board will meet in person this Friday, Jan. 23 starting at 9 a.m., at the agency’s Olympia office. The agenda includes discussion of the transition to a new acting director; an update on how Washington is working to implement federal Pell grants; state responses to federal work requirements for food benefits; and more. Access the agenda and details here.

2026 legislative session: Changes to higher education funding, clean energy testimony

The Workforce Board is monitoring a bill that would change how higher education is funded in Washington. House Bill 2098 would eliminate a cap on certain taxes paid by large technology companies. The tax, known as the workforce education investment surcharge, was previously capped at $75 million a year. House Bill 2098 would remove that limit. The bill would also significantly expand the number of students eligible for the Washington College Grant. The bill is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday in the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.

In other legislative news, Workforce Board Policy Manager Ilene Munk testified last week before key committees in the House and Senate to inform lawmakers of a recent Workforce Board report prepared in partnership with the Clean Energy Technology Workforce Advisory Committee. The report provides the first ever assembled data on the age, gender, racial makeup and education level of the energy workforce in Washington. The report also includes Workforce Board research on the feasibility of establishing a transition to retirement program for workers near retirement who may lose their jobs due to new climate policies.

Monitor workforce bills with agency’s legislative tracker

Interested in workforce-related bills during this short, fast-paced, 60-day legislative session? Make sure to check out the Workforce Board’s 2026 legislative tracker. The Workforce Board’s team is following dozens of bills this session that impact the Board’s policy agenda and more.

The Workforce Board’s legislative agenda focuses on four main priorities: Support initiatives that help Washingtonians meet expanded work requirements and stay eligible for food and healthcare benefits; restore funding for wraparound support for apprentices and Core Plus, which provides students hands-on learning and skills; preserve investments in postsecondary programs; and support efforts that inform students of multiple education and career pathways.

OTHER NEWS 

Amendment to make CTE classes eligible for AP credits

U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has introduced an amendment that would enable high school career and technical education (CTE) students to earn Advanced Placement credits for welding, health professions, advanced manufacturing, and other CTE classes.

“While I was able to take AP level photography and sculpture in school, there’s no equivalent available for welding or wood shop,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a recent video from Onalaska. “If you’re trying to go into a college program, all these kids can’t afford to take shop class and have a competitive application.”

Gluesenkamp Perez represents the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Washington.

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