Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 38

business backgrounder | education & workforce
Learning by Doing
Employers and colleges team up to address
the workforce shortage.
Debbie Ritenour
Community and technical colleges across the state are partnering with employers to
develop work-based learning programs and tackle the workforce shortage.
At A Glance
Washington employers and
community and technical
colleges are working
together to ensure students
are prepared for today’s
in-demand jobs.
Employers are donating
time, equipment and funds
to help develop integrated
work-based learning
programs.
These programs help
students make valuable
connections, develop new
skills and gain hands-on
experience.
“Many of our students haven’t worked in an office
environment before. DaVita provides them the opportunity
to build their soft skills and gain confidence.”
— Tiffanie Maule, associate professor/program coordinator, Pierce College
Enrolling in a community or technical college can be a first step toward a successful
career in construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and other fields. As employers
struggle to find skilled workers, they are recognizing the opportunity to partner with these
colleges to ensure students are prepared for today’s in-demand jobs.
Big Bend Community College, Pierce College and Shoreline Community College are
among the many community and technical colleges in Washington that have established
integrated work-based learning programs. By collaborating with local employers, these
colleges are helping students make valuable connections and gain hands-on experience
before they even leave the classroom.
making connections that matter
Quincy may seem like a sleepy farming community, but thanks to its affordable hydropower
generated from the Columbia River, the city of 7,300 residents is home to a number of large
data centers operated by major technology companies. In early 2017, Big Bend Community
38 association of washington business