what ’ s working
“ I take pride in my work . I really like what I do . We build a tough boat . The company takes care of me .”
— jim herrera , a welder-fabricator for safe boats international in bremerton bicycles that they can ride , guitars they can play and vinyl signs with their custom logos .
The school also offers a Core Plus program that allows students to earn a job interview at The Boeing Co . right out of high school .
“ Students can parlay their technical hand skills they learned here to a first-year job then continue on to the job of their dreams ,” Murray said . Skills-based high schools are also leading the way . West Sound Tech in Bremerton draws students from 35 schools in 10 school districts , training them in occupations ranging from welding and construction to nursing and 3-D animation .
Emmy Cambra , a first-year student in the school ’ s automotive technology program , was dismantling and reassembling a motorcycle motor when the Manufacturing Week bus stopped by .
“ I want to be an automotive mechanic , so this is a great first step to get into everything I want to do in my career ,” she said .
energizing the expansion
Supporting and expanding our state ’ s manufacturing base will require reliable , sustainable power .
A bedrock of that system is Washington ’ s vibrant hydroelectric system . AWB got a unique up-close view when the Manufacturing Week bus crossed the Rocky Reach Dam near Wenatchee . Later that day the tour visited Puget Sound Energy ’ s Wild Horse Wind Facility , where 149 turbines can produce about 273 megawatts on a windy day .
The crucial importance of baseload generation like natural gas and nuclear was on display as well . At Jubilant HollisterStier in Spokane , for example , the manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and Covid-19 vaccines is powered by reliable natural gas supplies .
toward the future
Throughout the tour , AWB emphasized the state ’ s goal of doubling Washington ’ s manufacturing base — starting with small manufacturers and those owned by women and people of color .
18 association of washington business