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Content current as of 09/10/25

Workforce Development Programs

Workforce Development Programs aim to increase employment opportunities for City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities Service Area residents through education and training.

Tacoma takes pride in their support of schools, community, and programs that help our residents find sustainable living wage jobs. From apprenticeship and internship programs to environmental education, we provide resources for elementary schools, youth, young adults, and beyond.

Find out what’s happening around the state-View workshops, seminars, and other events on the state’s Apprenticeship Calendar, learn about upcoming City of Tacoma events on the Events Calendar, and view the Pierce County Library System’s Events Calendar.

 

Contact

Deborah Trevorrow
Workforce Programs & Economic Development Analyst

(253) 591-5590

747 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

City of Tacoma Workforce Programs

Tacoma Public Utilities has several apprenticeship tracks through Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water.

Tacoma Power and Water Apprenticeships

The EnviroChallenger program teaches free environmental lessons with a mix of science, social responsibility, and fun in Tacoma’s second through eighth grade classrooms and for home-schooled students. All the lessons include supplies and support state-standardized test objectives. When you need engaging, high-quality environmental science lessons, bring in the EnviroChallengers!

Learn more
  • Overview: This EPA-funded program, a unique collaboration between the EPA, the City of Tacoma, Clover Park Technical College, and Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, this free job training program empowers residents to enter high-demand environmental careers.
  • Contact: For registration and related questions, contact our recruiting and case management provider, Goodwill: careerhub@goodwillwa.org
  • Earn industry-recognized certifications:
    • 40-Hour HAZWOPER
    • Forklift Operator
    • Flagger
    • Asbestos Worker
    • OSHA 10
    • First Aid/CPR
    • LEAD Renovation, Repair, and Painting (Lead RRP)

Jobs 253 offers Tacoma Public Schools’ incoming juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn high school credit for graduation and the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience.

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The City of Tacoma offers many internships throughout the year, including one through Tacoma Power for Electrical Engineers. Please refer to the City’s Job Hub web page for available internships.

Electrical Engineering Internship

City of Tacoma’s Job Hub

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Support a local workforce that represents and reflects the diverse population of city residents.

TTEP is funded by the City of Tacoma (General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities) and includes several organizations in a broad-based collaborative partnership.

For more information on this program, please contact Kacee Woods, Business & Economic Development Manager, at kwoods@tacoma.gov or (253) 591-5075.

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Kacee Woods

Are you, a friend, family member, or neighbor—ready to take the next step toward a brighter future? Training programs offered by Clover Park Technical College (CPTC)  in high-wage, high-demand career fields are beginning at the Eastside Training Center.

Key Information:

  • Weekly Welcome Sessions: Every Friday from 8 a.m.–12 noon at the Eastside Training Center (6002 East McKinley Ave). Staff will be available to answer questions, assist with enrollment, explore funding options, and provide tours.
  • Attend a barbeque: Wednesday, September 27, 2025, from 4-7 p.m.

For more details about the Eastside Training Center and available programs, please visit https://www.cptc.edu/Eastside.

Contact

Deborah Trevorrow
Workforce Programs & Economic Development Analyst

(253) 591-5590

747 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours:
7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.