business backgrounder | education & workforce
“ SkillsUSA and Core Plus Aerospace were a big step in my career,” Terry said.“ Both helped get me my job and continue my career path. I take pride in seeing planes flying that I made. I see a future at Boeing.”
Terry will continue to build his skills at Pierce College, where he’ ll pursue a degree in business and take engineering classes.
Tucker Goodwin, a Core Plus Aerospace graduate from SEATech Skills Center in Walla Walla, and a tool maker at Boeing, was a featured speaker at the competition. He shared his path from school to career.
“ Taking Core Plus Aerospace was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Goodwin said.“ As a hands-on person, this fit me perfectly and prepared me to be a tool maker.”
He also credits his Core Plus Aerospace instructor James Polson for helping him get to where he is today.
“ Mr. Polson was a big motivator for me,” Goodwin said.“ I don’ t think I would have a job here if it wasn’ t for him being a great instructor.” supports for teachers
Students weren’ t the only ones at the competition building their skills. Core Plus Aerospace instructors participated in a professional development session led by a Boeing instructor. Industry partnerships ensure that teachers are up to date with the critical skills the advanced manufacturing industry requires.
“ The most valuable part for me is looking at a project that I might be able to incorporate in my class,” said James Polson, Core Plus Aerospace instructor at SEATech Skills Center.“ The trainings that I’ ve attended have changed my Core Plus Aerospace units.”
The training also provides teachers an opportunity to network and share experiences with each other.
“ The most valuable part of the training was connecting with teachers across the state and bounce ideas off each other,” said Trisha Fry, Core Plus Aerospace instructor at Sumner High School.
industry engagement builds a talent pipeline
Washington’ s manufacturing industry depends on equipping students with skills that companies need. By engaging with Core Plus Aerospace, businesses can play a direct role in supporting the next generation of manufacturing talent. With industry-aligned training and support, today’ s students can become tomorrow’ s skilled workforce.
Sedwick has taken advantage of industry opportunities. Along with SkillsUSA competitions, he completed the Core Plus Aerospace summer Student Development Program, hosted by Boeing. This summer he’ ll participate in the program again, but as an alumni leader. He’ ll support and coach students and be paired with a Boeing mentor. Sedwick’ s goal is to be a tool and die maker at Boeing and grow in the company.
“ In many ways Core Plus Aerospace helped me reach my goals,” Sedwick said.“ Students should pursue a manufacturing career because hands-on skills are needed everywhere. It might be something you really love.”
— Justin McCaffree is a Senior Workforce Specialist at Boeing.
Bridger Sedwick participates in the hands-on portion of the 2025 SkillsUSA Manufacturing and Assembler competition at the Boeing factory in Everett.
“ The SkillsUSA competition sets me up for success because it allows me to put my skills to the test, learn new skills, and apply them. I’ m excited about winning the competition and bringing the trophy back home to SEATech.”
— Bridger Sedwick, a student at SEATech Skills Center in Walla Walla, who won first place for the second year in a row at the 2025 SkillsUSA Manufacturing Assembler Competition spring 2025 43