Career Connect NW

Career Connect NW helped generate ideas on how to educate students, teachers, and families about maritime careers at the Whatcom Blue Schools Summit on August 29 at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham. Facilitated by Northwest Maritime, rich discussions centered around creating a regional network of maritime public-school programs to engage K-12 students in marine trades programs. Topics included defining maritime careers, how to build more awareness about these careers in Whatcom county, and how we can share resources. Thank you Port of Bellingham for the invite into this great discussion!

Career Connect Washington (CCW) has launched a new funding opportunity to develop or expand industry-aligned career connected learning programs. Organizations are encouraged to apply for this great opportunity to strengthen the future talent pool in family wage, high demand careers and prepare the next generation of Washington’s workforce. $4 million in funding is available to award organizations in order to build career connected learning programs. Grants will range from $100,000 to $175,000. Deadline: October 16, 2024 with the performance period starting in February 2025. RFP: Available on the WEBS system (RFP #2024-11) Questions: Contact Aaron Pittelkau at [email protected] Learn more at the Bidders’ Conference: September 4, 2024 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM on Zoom: https://lnkd.in/gyN-kwH5

Congratulations to Cascades Job Corps Ctr on their 60th Anniversary! To celebrate, Career Connect NW Career Connected Learning Specialists Mary Powers and Donovan Tate attended their Open House August 27 in Sedro-Woolley. Cascades Job Corps currently has 220 students ages 16-24 in their program. Onsite IT-related career training programs include Computer Technician A+, Network+, and Advanced A+ Administrator. Healthcare career training includes Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, and more. Students welcomed visitors, talked about their programs, and shared their future career goals. In the photo, Career Connected Learning Specialist Donovan Tate in the simulated medical clinic at Cascades Job Corps Center next to a mannequin arm students use to practice phlebotomy skills.

The launch of our new BlueTech/CleanTech cohort is finally here! Armed with the latest tech and innovative solutions, you can be part of a passionate group of people. Don't miss your chance - head over to our website and apply today! Link to apply: https://lnkd.in/gTkk4XdH And don't miss our Kick-off on August 20nd! Link to register: https://lu.ma/wkd6a2vn #BlueTech #CleanTech #Innovation

Exciting things on the horizon in the maritime industry!

Employers, are you hiring? The next NW Regional Job Fair, hosted by EDASC and WorkSource, is set for Sept. 18. If you have three or more job openings in Skagit, Whatcom, Island or San Juan counties, you are eligible to participate. Booth fee is just $100. Don't miss this opportunity to get face-to-face with job seekers. Register at https://rb.gy/wuni60

Career Connect NW is pleased to support efforts to connect the business community to childcare resources. Register now for this online coffee chat Tuesday, August 13 to learn more!

Celebrating an awesome 2023-24 and looking ahead to scaling and expanding in 2024-25! Check out the Career Connect NW summer newsletter! https://lnkd.in/gppqufmk

Today, Career Connect WA (CCW) partners enjoyed the privilege of a visit from Alejandro Castillo, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. Assistant Secretary Castillo spent time with instructors and students at the Advanced Manufacturing (AJAC) Apprenticeship Program at South Seattle Community College. WA Representative Vandana Slatter (48th LD) also joined. The WA Jobs Initiative (WJI)/Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) grant has allowed more Washingtonians to access training and support services, resulting in careers with family-sustaining wages in high-demand industries. For more information on the Good Jobs Challenge/WA Jobs Initiative, visit https://wsac.wa.gov/wji

A holistic approach is needed to achieve equity in K12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Rather than relying on a single method, a multifaceted strategy that combines various efforts is more effective. This post highlights five interconnected strategies identified from a recent K12 Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) Stakeholder Assessment project conducted in Washington State. These strategies are deemed most relevant to meeting the CLNA requirements. All stakeholders involved contributed to these five strategies, which were identified through a thorough analysis of project data. Several common themes emerged from the stakeholders' input, including: – Clear Objectives: Stakeholders recognized the importance of not only students earning a high school diploma but also helping them succeed in their post-secondary career journey and supporting local employers in developing a skilled workforce. – Recognizing Essential Relationships: Collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders, including students, families, educators, employers, and community partners, are essential for achieving equitable outcomes in K12 CTE programs. – Leadership with a Practical Vision: Effective leadership is crucial for integrating the five strategies to achieve measurable, sustainable, and equity-focused outcomes. The five CLNA-related approaches identified are: 1. Simplifying CTE: Make CTE easily understandable for all stakeholders by creating clear career pathways, visual maps, and value propositions. 2. Empowering K12 Professionals: Increase awareness and knowledge among teachers and counselors about CTE pathways through collaboration with industry employers. 3. Optimizing Advisory Committees: Enhance the design and management of CTE Advisory Committees to maximize their effectiveness. 4. Creating a 13th Year: Collaborate with higher education and industry employers to provide a transition year experience for students post-graduation. 5. Expanding Work-Based Learning Opportunities: Standardize WBL opportunities and promote engagement among all students, with a focus on underrepresented groups. Further project reporting may become available that outlines actionable steps, measures, and future topics for exploration. If you have any questions, please contact us at https://lnkd.in/gWcvdNUe