Tacoma Training and Employment Program
The Tacoma Training and Employment Program (TTEP) aims to level the playing field with training, resources, and employment opportunities so that more people can earn better wages.
Purpose
- Provide for the development of a trained and capable workforce by providing training and education opportunities to residents of Tacoma and residents of the Economically Distressed Areas of the Tacoma Public Utilities Service Area.
- Increase employment, training, and resource access to people who reside in the city of Tacoma and Economically Distressed Areas of Tacoma and in the Tacoma Public Utilities Service Area to directly combat poverty, to promote economic development, equity, and economic inclusion.
- Support a local workforce that represents and reflects the diverse population of city residents.
Background
Over the years, the operation of this program has varied in response to the local economy and of the organizations operating the program.
Program Components
- Recruitment and enrollment assessment.
- Employment readiness training in (Construction Trades, Information Technology, and Warehousing & Logistics).
- Case management and retention to address barrier reduction that supports program completion.
- Access to support/wraparound services that include math and reading classes to achieve 9th grade level prior to graduation.
- Job placement assistance and guidance for becoming competitive candidates.
Programs
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As part of its ongoing work to increase the number of diverse livable wage jobs through the Tacoma Training & Employment Program (TTEP), the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department has partnered with Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region to launch the Washington Home Builders Foundation BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County (BSAPC).
The BuildStrong Academy of Pierce County (also known as Construction Trades Training Academy)Â aims to provide:
- Hands on learning
- Classroom instruction, and
- Real-world experience with a focus on job placement, mentoring, and ongoing support
Get the education, tools, and skills you need to succeed in the construction industry – at no cost.
- Program Flyer – English
Academy Dates:
(8-week course, 7 hours a day)Winter Cohort: January 26, 2026 – March 20, 2026
Spring Cohort: April 20, 2026 – June 12, 2026
Summer Cohort: July 13, 2026 – September 4, 2026
Fall Cohort: September 28, 2026 – November 20, 2026
Location:
Goodwill Milgard Work Opportunity Center
714 S 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
More informationInquiry Form: Fill out this form to get more information on training and enrollment.
Community members with questions, or requests to receive information in an alternate format, can contact Cole Estrada, Build Strong Academy Pierce County (BSAPC) Coordinator at Colee@biaw.com or (360) 570-0322.
Programs represented within the Tacoma Training and Employment Program are intended to create more effective job training opportunities for City of Tacoma and residents of the Economically Distressed Areas of the Tacoma Public Utilities Service Area, preparing program participants to enter careers immediately upon completion of respective programs.
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As part of its ongoing work to increase the number of diverse livable wage jobs through the Tacoma Training & Employment Program (TTEP), the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development Department has partnered with Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region to provide the Introduction to Industry – Help Desk Technician Program.
The Help Desk Technician course is an industry fundamental for your career in Information Technology. The course covers:
- Career and Skills Assessment
- Assess your current skills and develop a personalized career plan.
- IT Concepts and Terminology
- Familiarize yourself with fundamental IT terms and systems.
- System Hardware and Software
- Learn about hardware components, system configurations, and operating systems.
- Network and Internet Connectivity
- Understand how to set up, configure, and secure network connections.
- Cybersecurity Best Practices
- Learn how to protect devices and systems from security threats.
- Computer Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving
- Gain essential skills in troubleshooting IT issues and maintaining computer systems.
- Job Search Support
- Develop job search strategies, including resume writing, interview skills, and navigating job platforms like Indeed.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Ability to attend class in person
- Intermediate computer skills necessary
For more information on the program, visit the program website: Introduction to Industry – Help Desk Technician
- Career and Skills Assessment
Recruitment
Recruitment will focus on residents ages 17 and older who reside in the City of Tacoma, or the Economically Distressed Areas of the Tacoma Public Utilities Service Area, who face barriers to entry into the workforce. Participants will be representative of people in the following communities:
- Those currently receiving or transitioning from public assistance
- Low-income (defined as earning 80 percent or less of the area median income)
- Unemployed individuals
- Individuals with limited English-speaking abilities
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Victims/survivors of domestic violence
- Disengaged youth
- Justice impacted
- Immigrants and refugees
- Veterans
- Women
- BIPOC communities