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Washington’s Centers of Excellence

Bridging the gap between industry, education, labor, and leadership in Washington State.

 
 
 

We connect the state’s network of community and technical colleges with industries from all areas of the state to inform the creation of a robust, resilient, and diverse workforce.

 

Workforce Innovation, Impact, and Service

Celebrating two decades of excellence, we’re pleased to share a brief report (PDF) that highlights how Centers support Washington’s community and technical college system by connecting education and industry — helping colleges boost enrollment and build workforce pipelines in critical sectors across the state.

In the report, you’ll find real-world examples of how Centers provide sector expertise; align programs with industry needs; develop practical tools and resources; drive shared solutions; and build system capacity to respond to emerging workforce needs.

We hope you’ll take a moment to review the attached report and get in touch to learn more.

 

Twelve Centers of Excellence serve the entire state of Washington

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Our Work

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We serve as statewide liaisons to business, industry, labor, and the state’s education systems for the purpose of building a highly skilled and readily available workforce critical to the success of the industries driving the state’s economy and supporting Washington families.

See how we contribute

 

The Centers

Washington State’s Centers of Excellence exist at the intersection of education, business, industry and organized labor. With funding from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Centers are the connection point between knowledge, activity and potential, inspiring and supporting collaboration.


 
 
 

Who We Serve

While each Center of Excellence serves a specific industry, all of Washington’s centers work together in support of four core groups statewide. Through effective collaboration between the Centers, state agencies, and partners, we are able to realize improvements for all of Washington’s residents.

Find skilled and read-to-work employees
Partnering with industry we convene our community and technical education system
Next generation industry-fed curricula
Data determined trends in training and apprenticeships

businesses

Through our educational relationships, Washington businesses can access a pipeline of skilled and ready-to-work employees.

industry

We partner with industry associations and intermediaries to convene the community and technical education system. 

educators

Through industry-fed curricula, Washington’s educational system is poised to provide the next generation of skilled workers.

organized labor

Union leaders can tap into trend data, work training, apprenticeships and more, and stay involved in workforce development.

 
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Get Involved

Whether you’re an industry business or labor organization, educator or school administrator, legislator, job seeker, or a member of the public, you can help us grow Washington State’s skilled workforce.

 

Find your Center

Each center works to support organizations across Washington. Find the Center of Excellence that serves your industry.

Contact Us

We are happy to answer questions or help you learn more about workforce and education programs in Washington.