DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Tradeswomen Equity Summit

The Heartland Women In Trades Union recently hosted its Tradeswomen Equity Summit, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of National Women in Apprenticeship Day. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, delivered inspiring remarks at the event. ANEW's Executive Director, Karen Dove, contributed to the success of the summit by speaking as a guest panelist in the session "Best Practices in Creating a Safer Worksite."

About the Event:

Tradeswomen were invited to attend at no cost, with the opportunity to raise their voices and connect with key decision-makers in the industry. Those who RSVP'd before the November 15th deadline were eligible to receive a stipend for the day

Event Highlights:

• Engaging sessions covered the latest trade practices, program development, and effective strategies for recruitment and retention.

• Partner organizations had exclusive opportunities to showcase their resources and tools.

• Attendees networked with industry leaders, pioneers, and emerging talent.

The summit was more than just an event—it was a movement! Together, we are shaping the future of skilled trades to be stronger, more inclusive, and filled with opportunity. Whether participants were seasoned professionals, those exploring a trade career, or supportive allies, their voices and participation played a crucial role in this transformative journey.

Image 1: Julie Su, US DOL Sec. of Labor

Image 2: (left to right) Alison Fisher, EEOC Outreach Program Coordinator, Rudy Chavez, Coordinator for Kansas City Area Apprentice Readiness Program, Kelly McClellen, Journeyman Operator, Julie Su, US DOL Sec. of Labor, Emily Snyder, IBEW Local 124 & President, Heartland Women in Trades, Stephanie Conner, Community Director, Turner Construction, Alison Fisher, EEOC Outreach Program Coordinator, Karen Dove, Executive Director of ANEW.

Image 3: (left to right) Julie Su, US DOL Sec. of Labor, Stephanie Conner, Community Director, Turner Construction, Karen Dove, Executive Director of ANEW, Alison Fisher, EEOC Outreach Program Coordinator, Emily Snyder, IBEW Local 124 & President, Heartland Women in Trades.

PROGRAMS

WA Grant for Apprenticeship

Nearly $4.5 Million Awarded to Apprentices!

Since 2024, the WA Grant for Apprenticeship has awarded nearly $4.5 million in grant funds, significantly impacting Washington residents pursuing careers in the trades. As the financial aid office for the WA Grant for Apprenticeship, ANEW has been instrumental in guiding applicants through the funding process. By offering crucial support and resources, ANEW ensures that individuals seeking apprenticeship opportunities have the tools they need to succeed and advance in their careers.

By becoming a sponsor of the WA Grant for Apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship programs can directly support their apprentices. This sponsorship provides valuable financial assistance, which not only encourages retention but also reduces turnover. With the added support, apprentices are better positioned to succeed, stay committed to their programs, and build long-term careers in the trades—ultimately contributing to the continued growth and success of Washington’s workforce.

Welcome & Thank You to Our Newest WGA Sponsors!

Puget Sound Electrical JATC • Spokane Heat and Frost • Inland Empire Electric

CITC- Construction Electrician • NWLAC • PEAC • Local 86 • SWEJATC • FTINW

Western States Boilermakers • Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho Painters

Glaziers, Architectural Metal & Glass Workers • NWEJATC • Atarashii

Northwest Maritime • Machinists Institute • Pierce County Roofers  

Ironworkers Local 14

Commercial Driver's License

The CDL Program at ANEW offers students the opportunity to earn both Class A and B Commercial Driver’s Licenses at no cost. Participants gain valuable skills through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience, supported by ANEW’s outstanding services that help students overcome barriers and secure long-term, high-wage employment.

To date, our CDL program has awarded 44 scholarships funded by WSDOT, putting us on-track to meet our goal of 60 by June 2025. Thanks to support from the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, we will also be offering an additional 80 scholarships through 2026.

CDL Registration for 2025 Begins January 15th

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Enrollment Now Open for 2025:

We're excited to announce that enrollment is officially open for our 2025 Pre-Apprenticeship programs! These hands-on training courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills and experience needed to start a successful career in your chosen trade.

Classes Begin: January 8th, 2025

Don't miss your chance to join this transformative program and take the first step toward a rewarding future. Secure your spot today!

Why Enroll?

• Gain Practical, on-the-job training

• Learn from industry experts

• Improve your employability and set yourself up for success in the workforce

Ready to Start Your Career?

Attend an info session!

In-Person

Mondays @ 10:00 a.m. | Tuesdays @ 2:00 p.m.

18338 Andover Park W-Tukwila, WA

Zoom

Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM

beginning January 8^th 2025

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

We are excited to announce that four of our recent graduates have successfully secured job placements with Booster Fuel Company. This achievement is a major milestone for both our program and the graduates. Our partnership with Booster Fuel Company is a key step in our ongoing efforts to connect graduates with employment opportunities in the trucking industry.

By working with a leading company in the field, we are enhancing the career prospects of our graduates and providing them with valuable, hands-on experience. This initiative not only empowers our participants to kick-start their careers but also helps meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the trucking sector.

We are confident that this collaboration will open the door to even more opportunities in the future, benefiting both our graduates and the industry as a whole.

“We love what you guys are doing at ANEW in Tukwila, WA and I truly feel like we could make a great partner for your program! We're excited about this partnership with ANEW and we're willing to serve you the best that we can.”      

-Manny Matta, Recruiting Manager

SAVE THE DATE!

You're Invited!

Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation Celebration

We are excited to honor the hard work, achievements, and dedication of our outstanding cohorts!

PACE Cohort 49
Date: December 11th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: ANEW Training Facility

TRP Cohort 125
Date: December 18th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: ANEW Training Facility

PACE Cohort 50
Date: December 18th
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Clover Park Technical College

Refreshments will be provided.
Join us in celebrating this special milestone and the achievements of our graduates!

Image 1: PACE 50

Image 2: PACE 49

Image 3: TRP 125

2025 Passport to Careers State Conference

Applications Now Open!

May 6th & 7th, 2025

Spark Change & Inspire Innovation at the 2025 Conference!

Join us for the 2025 Passport to Careers Conference, themed “Community as a Catalyst” on May 6-7, 2025. This annual two-day event will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers to exchange insights and strategies to harness the transformative power of community. Together, we will explore how to create lasting impact for foster and unaccompanied homeless youth.

The conference provides a platform for us to turn hope into action, supporting practitioners who work to help youth in their journey toward education and success.

Applications Are Now Open for Workshop Presenters & Lived Experience Panelists!

Lived Experience Panel

Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
We are seeking four panelists with lived experience in foster care or homelessness (or both) to share their stories and insights at the conference. Panelists will discuss how to better support young people in overcoming challenges and persisting in their education.

Workshop Proposals

Proposal Deadline: January 10, 2025
We invite professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community members to submit proposals for 75-minute workshops at the conference. Topics should address strategies, tools, and best practices for supporting youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness.

Be part of this dynamic event and contribute to the future of foster and homeless youth support!

NOVEMBER IN REVIEW

T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair

November 1st & 2nd

Hosted by Tacoma Public Schools and KORSMO Construction, the T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair gave Tacoma residents a chance to connect with City departments, explore career opportunities, and engage in a variety of hands-on activities.

The event featured a special partnership with ANEW and KORSMO Construction, who hosted a resource center designed to assist job seekers with resume building and career guidance. In addition, ANEW current pre-apprentice students provided interactive Try-A-Trade Stations and an info booth, allowing attendees to experience different trades and gain valuable insights into the construction industry. This event was a great opportunity for local residents to learn more about career pathways and take the next step toward employment.

Fall Inclusion Summit: Opportunity Matters

November 21st

We recently hosted our Fall Inclusion Summit, Opportunity Matters, and it was an inspiring and impactful day!

We began with keynote presentations from Dr. Emily Huang and Dr. Erin Flynn of the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, who shared insights on the Respectful Workplace Initiative and the Workplace Climate Scale, designed for a Total Worker Health approach.

The day continued with an engaging panel discussion on mentorship, highlighting the vital role of mentor/mentee relationships in fostering growth and advancement in any workplace.

We were honored to host Dr. Stephanie Delaney of Renton Technical College and Zachary Florent from the U.S. EEOC, who led a powerful session on Navigating Critical Conversations. Participants gained tools to address stressful situations, strategies for protecting themselves from harassment and discrimination, and tips for effective documentation when needed.

The day concluded with a panel discussion on Building Stronger Foundations, empowering workers by exploring diverse pathways to fair employment and equitable treatment on the job.

Image 1: (left to right) Diversity & Inclusion Accelerator Award – Josiah Mooi, Project Manager, Skanska

Rising Star Award – Vianeth Villasenor, Journeyperson, Cement Mason Local 528, Jansen

Women in Leadership Award – Jessica Duncan, Journeyperson, Ironworker Local 86, Skanska

Agent of Change Award – Aileen Sunde, Community and Employee Advocate, Andersen Construction

Image 2: Erin Flynn, PH.D – Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Science

Image 3: Emily Huang, PH.D – Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences

Image 4: (left to right) Jovan Johnson – Representative Local 1977 - Western States Carpenters Council, Sharnae St. Clair – Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, Aliana Diaz – Apprentice - Elevator Constructors Local 19, Cynthia Grant – Journeyperson Painter, Labor Representative, IUPAT DC 5, Pati Ramirez – Journeyperson - Sheet Metal Local 66

Image 5: (left to right) Carl Hugle – Port of Seattle, Emmanuel Flores – Washington State Labor Council – AFL-CIO, Jane Mounsey - Constructive HR Strategies, Jeanette Aranda - Enforcement Strategist - Seattle Office of Labor Standards, Jocelyn Samuels – Vice Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Image 6: Dr. Stephanie Delaney, Vice President of Instruction – Renton Technical College

Image 7: Zachary Florent, U.S. EEOC

Image 8: Zenovia Harris – Zenovia Harris Consulting (left), Megan Pearson, Strategic Partnership Director – ANEW (right)

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we were thrilled to present our inaugural Industry Awards to outstanding individuals making a difference:

Jessica Duncan, Ironworker Local 86 Foreman, Skanska – Women in Leadership Award

Vianeth Villaseñor, Cement Mason Local 528 Journeyperson, Jansen – Rising Star Award

Aileen Sunde, Community and Employee Advocate, Andersen Construction – Agent of Change Award

Josiah Mooi, Project Manager, Skanska – Diversity and Inclusion Accelerator Award

A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors and speakers—you make this event and our work possible!

A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors:

Mortenson Construction

King County Wastewater Treatment Division

Lakeside Industries

Hoffman Construction

City of Tacoma

SMACNA

Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC

Cement Masons - Local 528

Sound Transit

WSDOT

Seattle Building Trades

Washington State Building Trades

Mckinstry

Machinists Institute

Scarsella Brothers

IBEW Local 46

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Funding Opportunity for Apprentices and Journeymen - Apply Now!

The Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Assistance Program (NAAAP) has funding available for apprentices and journeymen, provided by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). This funding can help cover a variety of expenses, such as training, tools, transportation, and more.

Right now, there is $1,000,000 in available funding – but it must be utilized to secure future funding for the program. If you're eligible or know someone who might be, don't miss out on this valuable resource!

To apply or learn more:

Contact your local Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) program to get started.

Toys for Tots

This holiday season, let’s come together and bring some smiles to those in need! Iron Workers Local 86 is proudly hosting a Toys for Tots donation drop site through December 16th. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 14 years old.

Drop-off Locations:

• Iron Workers Local 86 Headquarters

• North End and South End Dispatch Offices (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM only)

Your generosity will make a difference in a child's holiday season. Let’s work together to ensure every child has something to smile about this year.

For any questions, please reach out to Desiree at desiree@local86.org or call.

5th Annual Christmas Eve BBQ Blessing

Full meal and dessert for nominated families.

December 24th

"SMART Local 66 is excited to announce the fifth annual BBQ Christmas Eve Blessing. Sponsored families might be struggling financially, maybe they are a single-parent family, a family that has endured some type of hardship. Maybe you just know someone who needs some hope, love, and light in their lives." -Devin Leingang

To nominate a family or volunteer your time, please email: christmasbbqblessings@gmail.com

Nominate a Family

Show some love to families who may be struggling in these hard times and bring some joy to this holiday season.

Volunteer Your Time

We will need people to assist with cooking good, assembling packages, and much more!

You can nominate a family for a variety of different reasons. Maybe they are struggling financially, they are grieving the loss of a loved one, or perhaps they just need to know that they matter in the world and that people love them. Please keep nominations to western WA only. This blessing doesn't work without your help.

Let's work together as we strive to bring support, love, and smiles to those in our communities who need it.

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