Centers of Excellence
Learn About Our Network
Washington’s Centers of Excellence serve as economic development drivers for industry and education across the entire state. Each Center works closely with the state’s community and technical colleges, industry and businesses, as well as stakeholders from government, education and labor.
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
From Bill Boeing’s Red Barn to cutting-edge satellite makers, Washington State offers a rich history and cutting-edge innovation in aerospace and manufacturing. We are home to more than 4,000 aerospace engineers, over 142,500 aerospace workers, and 285,484 workers in manufacturing.
Contact: Kelsey Sanderson
Office Phone: 425-388-9454
Agriculture & Natural Resource
Rich soils, diverse climates, and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions of the world and enables farmers to produce some 300 crops each year (WSDA, 2014). The state’s $49 billion food and agriculture industry employs about 160,000 people and contributes 13% to the state’s economy, with $7.5 billion in worldwide exports.
Director: Lindsey Williams
Office Phone: 509-527-4635
Allied Health
The term “Allied Health” is used to identify a cluster of health professionals, encompassing as many as 200 careers. Essentially, there are two broad categories: Technicians, such as physical therapy assistants, medical laboratory technicians, radiological technicians, occupational therapy assistants, recreation therapy assistants, and more.
Director: Dan Ferguson
Office Phone: 509-574-6863
Careers in Education
The Center of Excellence for Careers in Education is designed to respond to the workforce training needs and interests of educational institutions and industries in Washington State. The pipeline for future educators converges here…offering pathways in para-education and early child education as well as college and university level teacher-preparation programs.
Director: Jamie Wells
Office Phone: 253-833-9111 ext. 4963
Clean Energy
The energy industry is experiencing immense changes that will bring a significant number of jobs to Washington state. It needs engineers, electricians, constructors, thinkers, tinkers, and technicians to support electric power generation; on/off-grid storage; and alternative transportation technologies. What to watch out for: Hydrogen, fusion, biofuels and advancements in electrification. Utilities will move into a zero-emission, clean energy economy and we will be here to support them and our training partners.
Director: Monica Brummer
Office Phone: 360-623-8924
Construction
Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we help shape a construction industry that is innovative, resilient, and representative of the communities it serves. Together, we are building more than structures—we are building careers, communities, legacy and a stronger future for Washington.
Director: Christina Rupp
Office Phone: 253-237-2778
Cybersecurity
At this critical juncture, Washington state faces a significant risk to its economy with over 10,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions. The escalating frequency of cyber-attacks targeting companies of all sizes in Washington has resulted in substantial economic losses. To address this pressing challenge, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the state from cyber threats by bridging the gap between employers and cultivating highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Director: Brent Lundstrom
Office Phone: 360-594-8337
Global Trade & Supply Chain Management
40% of all jobs in Washington State are connected to trade, making this region the most trade-engaged. Washington-based companies like Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Chateau St. Michelle, and Eddie Bauer consider supply chain management a key factor in their success. Supply chain management enables them to build and deliver products more competitively…better, faster, and cheaper.
Director: Sam Kaplan
Office Phone: 206-592-4838
Homeland Security-Emergency Management
Homeland Security & Emergency Management promotes increased resilience to reduce impact of manmade and natural hazards that affects a community, region, or state and its neighbors. Disasters know no boundaries -- they do not stop at an edge. Resilient communities are equipped with strategies to effectively respond to crises and disasters because they proactively prepare and are able to overcome setbacks to their community members, businesses and the economy as swiftly as possible.
Director: Linda Crerar
Office Phone: 253-912-3689
Information & Computing Technology
Washington remains one of the country’s leading hubs for cutting-edge innovation and a wide range of technology careers - from software development and systems administration to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The Center of Excellence for Information and Computing Technology collaborates with community and technical colleges, job seekers, employers, K-12 educators, and tech sector leaders to build a skilled technical workforce for Washington State.
Director: Brianna Rockenstire
Office Phone: 425-564-4229
Marine Manufacturing & Technology
The maritime industry is in a robust period of technological innovation, nationally and internationally. Those wishing to pursue a career in maritime, shoreside and underway, have the opportunity to train for and earn, through the attainment of industry recognized technical skills and examination, a breadth of industry recognized certifications.
Director: Ann Avary
Office Phone: 360-766-6282 ext. 43504
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
Under the Advanced Manufacturing Umbrella is the Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing (SEM) Center of Excellence (SEMCE), which supports Industry KSA needs for education programs that develop skilled workers for Washington’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industries. This increases the value and opportunity for students to have living-wage careers.
Director: Carl Douglas
Office Phone: 360-609-3406