Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board

05/01/2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and the Workforce Board is pleased to share some local insights.

The Workforce Board’s research team tracks the impact of apprenticeships through the Workforce Training Results. Highlights include:
• Earnings: $103,200 a year for those that complete the program
• 10-year taxpayer return on investment: $7.80 to $1
• 10-year economic impact: $5.1 billion

Registered apprenticeship is a high-quality career pathway where employers can build a skilled workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience with a mentor, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential. Learn more from the state Department of Labor & Industries.
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04/23/2026

The Workforce Board is proud to support Financial Aid Completion Week.

Governor Bob Ferguson has officially proclaimed Financial Aid Completion Week! Our state is committed to supporting WA students. https://ow.ly/kkff50YNKay



Ready Washington, Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), College Success Foundation

02/11/2026

Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed two prominent labor and business leaders to co-chair the Washington Workforce Board, the lead policy agency for the state’s workforce development system and investments.

Morgan Irwin, vice president of government affairs at the Association of Washington Business, will represent business. April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will represent labor.

Read more: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAWTB/bulletins/409456a

01/29/2026

In case you missed it: Maddy Thompson has been appointed acting executive director of the Workforce Board.

Thompson has broad policy and public affairs experience and deep knowledge of the workforce, education and higher education systems. She has worked in leadership positions in the executive and legislative branches. She most recently served as the board’s director of policy, strategy and research.

“The Workforce Board’s policy, advocacy and research support a strong business climate and living wage jobs throughout Washington,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working with lawmakers, board members and partners across the state to create strategies that help students, workers, and employers succeed.”

Read more: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAWTB/bulletins/405575a

12/16/2025

In case you missed it: KHQ Local News highlighted a recent Workforce Board report on clean energy jobs. Washington is on track to add more than 46,000 clean energy jobs by 2032. Read more:

WASHINGTON - A report from the Washington Workforce Board indicates a significant increase in clean energy jobs over the next decade.

12/10/2025

A new federal student aid program is a major win for both workers and employers, the Workforce Board’s Marina Parr told lawmakers Thursday.

Workforce Pell grants were approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year. The grants are intended as financial aid for students enrolled in short-term programs that lead to in-demand jobs.

“Workers need shorter pathways to get the skills they need to give them the momentum in the marketplace,” Parr, director of workforce system advancement, told the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

Read more at Washington Workforce Watch: https://wtb.wa.gov/workforcewatch/

11/26/2025

And that's a wrap for the Workforce Board's 2025 donation drive for the Thurston County Food Bank. Thank you, donors, and all who support this year's Washington State Combined Fund Drive throughout Washington. Have a great holiday!

11/26/2025

Are you missing a turkey? This runaway gobbler crashed the Workforce Board Washington State Combined Fund Drive event today in Olympia.

11/26/2025

It's Turkey Time at the Workforce Board, where agency staff -- and an anonymous turkey -- highlight the Washington State Combined Fund Drive. These donations, and more, will support the Thurston County Food Bank throughout the holiday season.

11/25/2025

The Workforce Board is wrapping up a food drive today for the Thurston County Food Bank as part of the agency's 2025 Washington State Combined Fund Drive. Here, agency staff share examples of recent donations. There are several hours to go and more donations are expected soon.