Workforce Newsletter

Seattle Colleges is buzzing with activity this January! From launching a district-wide Prior Learning Assessment workgroup to expanding Aviation Maintenance Technician training programs through a dynamic partnership with the Port of Seattle, we’re committed to expanding access to education and fostering innovation.

This month's Workforce Development Newsletter focuses on impactful partnerships, national recognition, and leadership transitions. Discover how the new Alaska Airlines Mentorship Program is providing invaluable experience for South Seattle College aviation students, and explore our collaborations with Toyota of Marysville and Toyota Regional in automotive training, bolstered by ongoing partnerships with Mercedes-Benz, and with the U.S. Commercial Service to boost opportunities in international business. Read about Seattle Colleges' achievements at the WDI Conference, highlighting our commitment to skilled trades. We welcome Mike Nielsen as our new Executive Director of Corporate Training and Continuing Education, and celebrate Bob Embery's contributions and legacy. Finally, catch up on the District-wide Workforce Development team meeting.

This March, explore key workforce initiatives: Seattle Colleges Corporate Training's partnership with Pallet Shelter provides extensive job skills training for those facing barriers. The Deans' Council utilized SBCTC training on the CLNA for data-driven program alignment. Plus, learn about partnership discussions at the Rotary Club meeting with Rep. Strickland and the Korean Consul General.

This April, discover key updates across Seattle Colleges! We cover strategic planning from the Workforce Retreat, Dean insights from the ACTE Conference, and the launch of new banners promoting our 13 BAS programs. Read about community engagement, including leadership at the Alliance for Education Gala, participation in the Limitless Network Convening, and an inspiring Seattle Maritime Academy field trip for middle school students. Also inside: details on the upcoming open Navigator Meeting (May 28), Handshake & Headshots resources, and an engaging Faculty Spotlight featuring Zoey Liedholm from Apparel Design & Development.

This May, explore Seattle Colleges' dynamic efforts in forging strategic partnerships and impactful outreach. Learn about expanded collaborations with Boeing enhancing aerospace pathways, insights from the WEC Spring Meeting shaping statewide workforce strategies, and our global engagement during the visit from South American Education Leaders. We also highlight K-12 outreach with Caroline O'Connell's Nursing Assistant dual credit presentation at Franklin High.

On campus, celebrate community spirit with a look at the vibrant Mural Paint Day at South Seattle College and Continuing Education's engaging presence at Seattle Central's Unity Fair. Supporting student careers, preliminary numbers from our Handshake & Headshots events show strong student and employer engagement, connecting nearly 80 students at Central with professional photos and drawing 450 visitors at North.

Finally, don't miss this month's Faculty Spotlight on North Seattle College's inspiring Nursing Instructor, Beth Beadling. Dive into these highlights!

This June's newsletter is packed with news of major partnerships, strategic planning, and impactful community engagement from across the district.

Headlining this issue is the landmark 10-year agreement signed between South Seattle College and the Port of Seattle to expand aviation maintenance career pathways. We also cover other key industry collaborations, including a recent visit from Boeing to discuss future student scholarships and field trips, insights from the Schultz Family Foundation's gathering on youth career navigation, and exploratory talks for a veteran-focused ship repair partnership with Levi Mason Industrial.

Our commitment to building the future workforce pipeline was on full display. Read about the successful Seattle Maritime Academy Community Day which welcomed families for hands-on fun, a visit organized by the Port of Seattle to showcase our P.A.C.T. program at the Wood Technology Center, and a Cement Mason trade tour for Seattle Public Schools students facilitated by the Seattle Colleges Foundation.

Inside, also learn how our leadership is driving excellence through data and collaboration. We recap the Deans' Council's training on the Lightcast analytics tool, key takeaways from the Workforce Education Council's Spring Meeting, and how a critical new generator installation is powering student success at the Maritime Academy. Explore these stories of partnership, planning, and progress!

This July, our newsletter is filled with stories celebrating successful partnerships, and student milestones.

This month, we highlight the tangible results of our industry collaborations: from the arrival of a "game-changing" Toyota Prius Prime for automotive students, to the successful graduation of the first Alaska Airlines Mentorship Program cohort. We also showcase our valued partnership with Western Governors University (WGU) and the seamless transfer pathways it provides for our graduates.

Discover Seattle Colleges' leadership in regional conversations, with Dr. Dalia Sherif's key role on the Coalition for Climate Careers "Call to Action" panel and our team's visit to King County Metro to discuss the future of clean transportation. We also recap the culmination of the statewide WSAC LEARN initiative focused on supporting adult learners and, on campus, don't miss the ongoing Continuing Education Art Show at North Seattle College.

This August, our newsletter highlights major funding successes, innovative planning, and key partnerships that strengthen our educational and career pathways.

Read about a major success for regional workforce development: the $600,000 maximum-award JSP grant secured in partnership with Peninsula College to support the historic Townsend Paper Mill. We also recap a unique celebration with another key partner, commemorating the Port of Seattle DEI office's anniversary with a focus on regional history and environmental justice.

Inside, learn how the Deans’ Council is looking to the future, with discussions on the innovative BILT model for industry co-creation and the new Workforce Pell initiative. We also highlight the SPS CTE Teachers Convening at South Seattle College, an event designed to deepen our collaboration with K-12 educators and strengthen student success from high school to college and career.