Attracting and retaining quality workers is a top challenge for manufacturers. And as technology continues to evolve, the need for a highly skilled workforce will only increase.

The South Sound is fortunate to have two outstanding technical colleges that provide real-world training on the newest technology and equipment and a direct path to manufacturing careers – Clover Park Technical College and Bates Technical College.

Manufacturing education and training opportunities at Clover Park Technical College:

• • In addition to several associate degrees and certificate programs, CPTC’s School of Advanced Manufacturing also offers Bachelor of Applied Sciences degrees in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Automation and a BAS in Operations Management.
  • With the recent relocation of programs in CPTC’s John W. Walstrum Center for Advanced Manufacturing, the college has advanced its efforts to ensure students have the skills and training they need to succeed in the Industry 4.0 era. The space initially housed CPTC’s Advanced Composites Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering Technologies (MET), Mechatronics and Nondestructive Testing Computer Programming, Network Operations & Systems Security (NOSS) and Cybersecurity programs were relocated to the building last year.
  • In 2023, CPTC’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program received a coveted Career Launch The designation provides students the opportunity to earn while they learn and paves the way for funding to ensure they’re job-ready for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. In 2024, CPTC received a $1.2 million Career Launch grant that will ensure the college has the most up to date equipment that aligns with industry standards.
  • In 2024, the college received $280,000 in Aerospace High Demand 1000 Full-Time Equivalent Student (FTES) funding to support the college’s BAS in Mechatronics Engineering Technologies and Automation program and help grow the Manufacturing Engineering Technologies (MET) The funding program was created to address the aerospace skills gap in Washington state by ramping up training in high-demand aerospace programs in the Washington Community and Technical College System.

Manufacturing education and training opportunities at Bates Technical College:

• • Bates offers ASS degrees and certificates in Automation and Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
  • The college’s Advanced Manufacturing career pathway is designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing and aerospace.
  • The Bates Technical College Manufacturing Academy is a 10-week program developed by AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship. The registered pre-apprenticeship training program offers a solid foundational pathway into aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship opportunities.
  • With a history that spans 60 years, Bates’ industry-mirroring Advanced Machining program is designed for individuals who are looking to upskill for career advancement or pursue a comprehensive AAS degree before entering the workforce.

Teaming up to find workforce solutions

Beyond their individual education and training programs, CPTC and Bates are also working together to find innovative solutions to help workers move into high quality jobs in advanced manufacturing as well as infrastructure and clean energy.

In 2023, Tacoma was one of 16 U.S. cities selected for the Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy. The one-year initiative helps cities fast-track their efforts to design, develop and launch workforce initiatives that lead to good jobs, especially for residents of historically underserved and underrepresented communities. CPTC and Bates are part of a cohort of employers, workforce and education partners, labor and community organizations.

From the beginning, Tacoma’s Eastside neighborhood was the group’s top focus. Today, Bates and CPTC, along with Palmer Pathways, AJAC Advanced Manufacturing, City of Tacoma and WorkForce Central, are working together to develop an Eastside training hub to upskill and reskill Tacoma workers in green jobs. The space will also offer 24/7 childcare so workers with young children can participate.

You can read more about the initiative on the CPTC website.