Ketchikan starts a pilot program with five apprentices serving in paraprofessional roles.

The labor committee discussed a proposed county construction careers program to coordinate the Department of Labor, unions, schools and municipalities to create a pipeline into construction trades and maximize recent apprenticeship legislation.

Senate Bill 105, backed by Republican and some Democratic lawmakers, would end a wide range of occupational licensing fees to reduce costs for small businesses and apprentices. Supporters say it boosts workforce entry; opponents warn of funding impacts on programs tied to fees.

Adam from the Office of Workforce Development reported the board finalized a policy to offer up to $4,000 in incentives for new apprenticeships and said most performance targets were met in FY'25, though direct training expenditures fell short (43.5% actual vs. 50% target) after a $22 million funding increase and staffing turnover.

Officials outlined how Carl Perkins, Early Achievers, BFET and WorkFirst fund workforce education, described the Washington College Grant pilot for registered apprentices, and previewed a partnership with Employment Security to deliver standardized labor‑market information and user‑focused tools for program approval and rapid program changes.

At its Oct. 27 meeting, the Vancouver City Council heard a detailed presentation from Workforce Southwest Washington on aligning the city's economic strategy with regional workforce efforts. WSW outlined four goals — pathways to quality jobs, equity in the trades, retention of apprentices and career-change training — and urged city investment in on

Plans to reduce apprenticeships to just eight months have been slammed by industry coalition.

State and labor representatives described the High Road Construction Careers program’s 13 pre‑apprenticeship partnerships, ties to Caltrans projects through SB 150, supportive services (childcare, stipends), and capacity challenges that limit how many apprentices can be placed on public projects.