September means back to school.  What a great time to check out the varied work force programs available to youth throughout Pierce County.  Following is a sampling of the many programs preparing our youth and creating a pipeline of skilled work force.  From the Youth Marine Foundation to Palmer Pathways and Tacoma School District’s 253 Program to Bethel School District’s Pierce County Skills Center, there is a large push in the public sector to get our youth work ready for high paying, non-collegiate jobs right out of high school.

As the fourth largest school district in Washington state, Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) has the ability and desire to create highly effective workforce programs.  According to Brady Bekker, member of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff at TPS, “we have a pretty robust list of credential programs through our Jobs 253 program.”  Implemented in partnership with the City of Tacoma, these credential programs provide paid $500 stipends for work experiences at host businesses. Some of the varied summer credentialed programing include drone, plumbing, home care aid, veterinary, forklift, graphic design, culinary and many, many more.

One of the most exciting partnerships that TPS has created is with the Port of Tacoma to create the Maritime/253 Skills Center as part of the Maritime Center development on Port-owned property.  “Tacoma has not had a skills center, and this center is a bridge between technical and collegiate opportunities for high school students,” said Bekker.  The project with Tacoma Public Schools reflects the Port’s commitment to workforce development, which also includes partnerships with Workforce Central and the Youth Marine Foundation.

The Youth Marine Foundation provides hands-on, experiential programs that introduce young people across Pierce County to maritime careers, workforce development opportunities, and pathways into family-wage jobs. Starting as early as age 13, students gain exposure to seamanship, navigation, vessel operations, and marine trades. One of their most impactful initiatives is the WAVE Seamanship Readiness Program, a workforce pipeline designed to prepare disadvantaged Washingtonians for maritime careers through certifications, hands-on training, and mentorship. In partnership with schools, tribes, and workforce agencies, we ensure that participants leave with both technical skills and direct pathways into employment.

“These programs open doors for young people who may never have considered a future in maritime or related industries. By giving them hands-on training, mentorship, and a supportive community, we’re not only preparing them for careers, but we’re also building confidence, leadership, and opportunities that ripple across families and communities,” said Karina Martija-Harris, Director of Community Partnerships, Youth Marine Foundation.  An example includes a Tacoma high school student who started the boat crew training program and earned their captain’s license before graduating and is now pursuing a maritime degree at Cal Maritime.

There are many more successful programs throughout Pierce County including those offered through WorkForce Central.  According to Samuel Bradshaw, Director of Business Solutions at WorkForce Central, “Our programming focuses on “earn while you learn” initiatives designed to equip young adults in Pierce County with practical, marketable skills through on-the-job experience.”

The three core initiatives for Youth at WorkForce Central are Palmer Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship, Work Experience Paid Internship Program and Wage Reimbursement Program.  At Palmer Scholars, youth in Pierce County are prepared for success with a whole scholar approach. Their Legacy Program supports high school juniors and seniors with college and career readiness workshops and one-on-one mentorship.

For those pursuing the trades, the Pathways Program (supported by WorkForce Central) pairs youth with Navigators who guide them, help reduce barriers, and provide hands-on career prep like mock interviews and résumé-building.  Whether college-bound or career-bound, the programs at Palmer Scholars give youth the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive.

“Pre-apprenticeships can serve as a pathway to a high-paying career for workers by further increasing equitable outcomes for underrepresented groups,” said Chad Tibyan, Sr Development and Communications Coordinator at Palmer Scholars.

The Bethel School District continues to earn praise for their Pierce County Skills Center (PCSC), offering CTE programs to high school juniors and seniors from multiple school districts, including Bethel. PCSC provides tuition-free training in high-demand career fields, prepares students for the workforce and post-secondary education, and helps them earn high school and sometimes college credit. PCSC offers a variety of CTE programs, such as: Aerospace Composites and Machining, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Video Game Development, Fire Science and Medical programs.

Back to School season reminds us the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.  These programs showcase those who are helping our youth reach those dreams.