District Workforce Development Newsletter - June 2025
Trivia & Entertainment
June 2025 Trivia Challenge
Get engaged and win big! Explore this month's newsletter and test your knowledge with our June 2025 Trivia Challenge. A $25 Amazon gift card awaits the winner, so put on your thinking cap and start reading! Follow this link to view the June 2025 Trivia Challenge...
Hi everyone,
A sharp-eyed reader pointed out that one of our May trivia questions was a real stumper... because the answer wasn't in the article!
Due to an editing error, a detail from our background notes on the Boeing partnership (that AMT certification exams cost $2,175) was used for a question, but that specific number didn't make it into the final published piece.
Our apologies for sending you on an impossible treasure hunt! We're officially voiding that question. Thank you for being such attentive readers, and we promise the trivia in this issue has been double-checked!

Building on a successful collaboration that began in 2020, South Seattle College and the Port of Seattle have signed a decade-long Memorandum of Agreement, dedicating substantial multi-year financial support and resources to the College's highly regarded Aviation Maintenance Technician program.
This 10-year partnership enables several innovative initiatives designed to remove barriers and increase student success. A key feature is the creation of an "on-ramp" cohort class held onsite at SeaTac Airport. This 7-credit course, team-taught by South Seattle's Basic and Transitional Studies (BTS) and Aviation faculty, will help prospective students build foundational English and math skills contextualized to aviation, and introduce them to the terminology, tools, and concepts key to the full program.
Upon successful completion of the on-ramp course, students will have the opportunity to enroll in the main Aviation Maintenance Technology program at South Seattle College, which utilizes the proven I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) model. To further support student success on campus, the agreement also establishes an innovative embedded classroom math support system. A classroom aide will provide students with real-time math assistance during lessons on critical skills like measurements and angles, a model designed to help students who cannot always access tutoring centers due to work or family obligations.
This strengthened partnership between South Seattle College, the Port of Seattle, and Port Jobs underscores a shared, long-term vision for regional workforce development. By investing in wrap-around support and innovative educational models, the collaboration creates clearer, more accessible pathways for local residents to enter and thrive in the aerospace industry, leveraging the strengths of the largest and highly respected aviation program in the state of Washington.
Leveraging Data: Deans' Council Focuses on Workforce Alignment with Lightcast

To further align academic programs with regional workforce needs, members of the Deans' Council recently participated in a hands-on training session for the powerful labor market analytics tool, Lightcast.
At the recent Deans Council meeting, members participated in a comprehensive training session on Lightcast, a powerful labor market analytics tool. The session focused on how Lightcast can support data-informed decision-making in areas such as program development, enrollment planning, and workforce alignment. Deans engaged in hands-on demonstrations and discussed strategies for integrating labor market insights directly into their academic planning.
This practical training builds directly on the council's previous strategic professional development, including the session focused on the SBCTC's Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA). While the CLNA process provides the essential framework for assessing regional workforce needs, powerful tools like Lightcast provide the real-time, granular data necessary to effectively meet those requirements and make responsive, evidence-based decisions about our programs.
The continued investment in these data literacy skills underscores the institution's commitment to enhancing student outcomes. By leveraging both strategic frameworks like CLNA and cutting-edge analytics tools like Lightcast, Seattle Colleges leadership is ensuring our programs are relevant, responsive, and designed to prepare students for success in high-demand industries across our region.
Seattle Maritime Academy Community Day Makes a Splash with Fun Activities and Program Showcases
The Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA) welcomed hundreds of community members to its Ballard campus for a fun-filled Community Day on Saturday, May 31, featuring free boat cruises, hands-on simulator experiences, and a collaborative showcase of various Seattle Colleges trades programs.
The Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA) welcomed hundreds of community members to its Ballard campus for a fun-filled Community Day on Saturday, May 31, featuring free boat cruises, hands-on simulator experiences, and a collaborative showcase of various Seattle Colleges trades programs. The event successfully brought the excitement of maritime careers and other skilled trades to families and prospective students from across the region.


The family-friendly atmosphere was buzzing with activity. Attendees were treated to free Argosy boat cruises on the canal, had the chance to row a boat, and got to test-drive the academy's state-of-the-art ship simulator, getting a real feel for what it's like to be at the helm of a vessel. The event provided a perfect opportunity to showcase SMA’s two U.S. Coast Guard-Approved certificate programs that prepare students for careers in commercial transportation, passenger vessels, and the wider workboat industry.


A key highlight of the day was the strong collaborative presence from across the district. In addition to the maritime focus, representatives from a variety of other Seattle Colleges trades programs were on hand, tabling and sharing information about the diverse training opportunities available to students. This unified approach demonstrated a "one-college" spirit, providing visitors with a holistic view of the many career pathways Seattle Colleges offers.
The successful event not only provided a fantastic day for the community but also effectively demonstrated the power of cross-departmental and cross-college collaboration in student outreach. By showcasing the breadth of our programs in an engaging, hands-on environment, the SMA Community Day served as an excellent gateway for community members to explore all that Seattle Colleges has to offer.
Port of Seattle Partnership Highlights P.A.C.T. Program at Wood Technology Center
The Wood Technology Center recently hosted representatives from the Port of Seattle and the District Workforce Development leadership including Dr. Dalia Sherif and Rachel Andre, for a visit focused on the highly successful Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (P.A.C.T.) program.
In a showcase of a powerful industry partnership, the Port of Seattle recently organized a visit to the Wood Technology Center to highlight the Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (P.A.C.T.) program for District Workforce Development leaders, including Senior Executive Director Dr. Dalia Sherif and Director Rachel Andre. The visit underscored the program's vital role in preparing adults for successful careers in the skilled construction trades.
The P.A.C.T. program is expertly designed to give participants a competitive edge for entry-level jobs in construction trade apprenticeships. The curriculum provides a robust foundation, including basic carpentry skills, trades math, and the safe operation of hand and power tools. Crucially, students also earn multiple, valuable industry-recognized certifications as part of the program, including OSHA 10 safety, First Aid/CPR, Forklift Operation, and Road Flagging.
Beyond the technical skills, a unique strength of the P.A.C.T. program is its additional emphasis on developing the "habits for success" essential for any worksite. The curriculum intentionally focuses on soft skills like time management, effective team communication, taking initiative, and understanding workplace organization, ensuring graduates are not just technically proficient but also highly effective and collaborative employees.
As a formally recognized apprenticeship preparation program by the Washington State Apprenticeship & Training Council, P.A.C.T. provides a clear and direct on-ramp to high-demand careers in our region's booming construction sector. This visit, facilitated by a key industry partner like the Port of Seattle, serves as a powerful testament to the program's success and relevance in meeting local workforce needs.

Key stakeholders, including those focused on student career pathways at Seattle Colleges, gathered on May 29th at the Schultz Family Foundation for a full-day session titled 'The Broken Navigation Marketplace,' aimed at exploring challenges and aligning strategies in youth career navigation.
On May 29, 2025, the Schultz Family Foundation, in partnership with American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future (JFF), hosted a full-day gathering titled "The Broken Navigation Marketplace: A Strategy and Systems Alignment Gathering." Held at the Schultz Family Foundation offices, the event brought together thought leaders and practitioners to explore challenges and opportunities in career navigation for young people.
The day began with a welcome and purpose-setting session, followed by a presentation from JFF on effective career navigation based on research and fieldwork. Washington STEM provided a detailed overview of the current career navigation landscape in Washington State. Attendees participated in mapping the existing navigation ecosystem, small group breakouts to discuss key challenges, and a group prioritization activity aimed at aligning strategies for improvement.
In addition, the Schultz Family Foundation shared an exciting update about a new career navigation tool being developed in collaboration with Kuder, a company known for its work in career planning and assessment. The day concluded with a wrap-up discussion, final reflections, and a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support youth in successfully navigating their career paths.
Renewed Engagement: Boeing and South Seattle College Plan Future Collaborations
Continuing to build stronger pathways for students pursuing careers in aerospace, representatives from Boeing recently met with South Seattle College leadership to map out the next steps in their collaborative efforts.
During a recent visit to South Seattle College, Boeing representatives met with college leadership to explore new opportunities for collaboration. Discussions centered on launching future student field trips to Boeing facilities, developing scholarship support to increase access and affordability, and strengthening connections between North and South Seattle Colleges through joint programming. This renewed engagement reflects Boeing’s ongoing commitment to investing in education and workforce development, and to building stronger pathways for students pursuing careers in the aerospace industry.
Seattle Colleges Explores Partnership to Train Veterans in Ship Repair

Possible partnership with Seattle Colleges, Levi Mason Industrial, and local industry to provide training for veterans and others in ship repair and manufacturing skills.
In an effort to expand pathways into the maritime trades, particularly for veterans, Seattle Colleges is in discussions about a possible collaboration with Levi Mason Industrial, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in ship repair. The potential partnership would aim to provide focused training for veterans and others in vital ship repair and manufacturing skills.
Levi Mason Industrial, founded in 2018, is a certified Washington State Veteran-Owned Business with deep expertise in marine habitability overhaul, fabrication, and welding. With key personnel holding over 20 years of industry experience and established partnerships, including work as a subcontractor for Vigor Industrial on Washington State Ferry projects, LMI represents a valuable potential partner with strong ties to the regional maritime ecosystem.
Critical Infrastructure Upgrade Boosts Seattle Maritime Academy’s Training Capabilities

A successful collaboration between Seattle Maritime Academy, the District Workforce Development Office, and industry partners has resulted in a critical infrastructure upgrade that will ensure reliable power for student training for years to come.
Seattle Central College's Maritime Academy recently completed a critical infrastructure project with the installation of a new, state-of-the-art 22 Kw generator. This significant upgrade replaces an aging unit and ensures a reliable power supply for SMA’s training vessels and vital hands-on learning systems, allowing student training to continue safely and without interruption. The new equipment is essential for maintaining the high standards of the academy's U.S. Coast Guard-approved programs.
The successful completion of this complex project highlights a strong collaborative effort across the district and with industry partners. The project was meticulously managed on-site by SMA's Port Engineer, Danny Blanchard, with crucial support and funding coordination from the District Workforce Development Office. This significant investment in our facilities, completed in partnership with marine industry vendor Hatton Power & Propulsion, is a testament to the teamwork dedicated to keeping our unique training environments modern, effective, and ready for student success.
Building Pathways: Cement Masons Center Tour Sparks New Collaborations

In a key collaborative effort, leaders from Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Colleges' Workforce division joined the Seattle Colleges Foundation for an insightful tour of the Cement Masons and Plasterers Training Center, aiming to strengthen student career pathways.
In a meaningful step toward strengthening trades education and regional career pathways, the Seattle Colleges Foundation recently facilitated a tour of the Cement Masons and Plasterers Training Center for staff from Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and Seattle Colleges’ Workforce division.
The tour offered an up-close look at apprenticeship training in action, highlighting the hands-on, high-skill nature of the cement masonry trade. Attendees observed live demonstrations, engaged in conversation with instructors and apprentices, and explored the rigorous training and safety standards required in the field.
This visit served as a launching point for deeper collaboration between Seattle Colleges, SPS, and trades partners to develop dedicated pathways from high school to registered apprenticeship and employment in the skilled trades.
With growing demand for construction professionals across the region, this partnership aims to expand access to high-wage, high-demand careers while ensuring that the next generation of workers reflects the diversity of the communities they serve.
The Seattle Colleges Foundation remains committed to facilitating these types of connections that lay the groundwork for sustainable, equitable workforce pipelines.