Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 38

business backgrounder | education & workforce Learning by Doing Employers and colleges team up to address the workforce shortage. Debbie Ritenour Community and technical colleges across the state are partnering with employers to develop work-based learning programs and tackle the workforce shortage. At A Glance Washington employers and community and technical colleges are working together to ensure students are prepared for today’s in-demand jobs. Employers are donating time, equipment and funds to help develop integrated work-based learning programs. These programs help students make valuable connections, develop new skills and gain hands-on experience. “Many of our students haven’t worked in an office environment before. DaVita provides them the opportunity to build their soft skills and gain confidence.” — Tiffanie Maule, associate professor/program coordinator, Pierce College Enrolling in a community or technical college can be a first step toward a successful career in construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and other fields. As employers struggle to find skilled workers, they are recognizing the opportunity to partner with these colleges to ensure students are prepared for today’s in-demand jobs. Big Bend Community College, Pierce College and Shoreline Community College are among the many community and technical colleges in Washington that have established integrated work-based learning programs. By collaborating with local employers, these colleges are helping students make valuable connections and gain hands-on experience before they even leave the classroom. making connections that matter Quincy may seem like a sleepy farming community, but thanks to its affordable hydropower generated from the Columbia River, the city of 7,300 residents is home to a number of large data centers operated by major technology companies. In early 2017, Big Bend Community 38 association of washington business