Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 40

business backgrounder | education & workforce
what happens on an actual bid day. The experience is made to feel as
real as possible; if students have a question about the bid, they have
to pick up the phone and call their contact, even though he or she is
sitting right across the room from them.
“It takes you away from the books and into the real world,” said
Robert Lasker, who has worked as a carpenter for 20 years and is
hoping to make the transition into management. “We learned all of
the nuances involved in the bid process from start to finish.”
Dolores Kelley, associate professor/program coordinator, brings in
local professionals to serve as guest speakers throughout the program.
When students are learning about estimating, for example, she’ll
invite an estimator to speak. The speakers also talk to the class about
job opportunities and the interviewing process.
“We’re doing more than teaching students about construction
management. We’re getting students ready for a new career. We’re
building the future of the industry,” Kelley said.
Students in Pierce College’s business information technology
program also benefit from the college’s strong relationship with
local employers. Kidney dialysis provider DaVita, for example, offers
internships at its corporate office in Tacoma for students pursuing a
medical office certificate or associate degree. Students work in the
40 association of washington business
“It takes you away from the books and
into the real world.”
— Robert Lasker, a 20-year carpenter who enrolled in
Pierce College’s construction management program in
hopes of transitioning into management
registration area, verifying insurance coverage and performing general
office duties.
“Many of our students haven’t worked in an office environment
before,” said Tiffanie Maule, associate professor/program coordinator.
“DaVita provides them the opportunity to build their soft skills and
gain confidence.”
Students are required to complete a 90-hour internship to earn
their certificate and an additional 150-hour internship to earn their
associate degree. While they are responsible for finding the internship
on their own, not all students have a strong network that allows them
to do so. Maule tells these students about the internship opportunity
and forwards their applications to DaVita.
“Students want to get their foot in the door,” Maule said. “These
internships help them take the next step and continue on the path
toward reforming their lives.”