This Skills Panel project will have a broad regional focus encompassing three strategic workforce development areas, Olympic (Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties), Pacific Mountain (primarily Grays Harbor, Mason, Wahkiakum, and Pacific Counties) and Northwest (Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom Counties). The geography of these areas includes direct salt water access, via the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound, and deep water ports which are critical factors in supporting boat building and related marine industries as a major growth industry in the region. Over 50% of Washington State’s ship and boat building firms are located in this area.

SKILL panels foster innovation and enable industry leaders and public partners to be proactive, addressing industry needs quickly and competently - a key for Boat Building to remain competitive in this state and this country.

The addition of a SKILL Panel to the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology is a PERFECT fit. All of the pieces partner to identify, address and fill existing skill gaps between the supply of skilled workers and the industry's demand.

Goal 1: Create and sustain an alliance comprised of three northwest region areas.

• Olympic: Clallam, Jefferson & Kitsap counties
• Pacific Mountain: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific & Thurston counties
• Northwest WA: Island, San Juan, Skagit & Whatcom counties

Goal 2

• Develop or revise skill standards specific to industry needs across the region Identify the highest priority workforce skills gaps.
• Develop and apply a matrix of factors, including size of skill gap, difficulty in hiring, growth rates, family wage rates, career ladder opportunities, and availability of local solutions, to determine skill gap priorities.
• Develop skill standards and curriculums for specific training needs (done by teams of industry and education members).

Goal 3

• Create a plan and sustainable system to address and fill existing skill gaps between the supply of skilled workers and the industry's demand.
• Promote work-based learning opportunities for K-12 and for C&TC.
• Develop customized training programs for entry-level workers and for incumbent workers.

Goal 4: Conduct an Annual Marine Workforce Training Conference to focus on:

• Customized training programs for entry-level workers and incumbent workers;
• Skill standards and associated training curriculum for both classroom and on-site delivery;
• New production processes.
  

• Industry: 8 committed partners and still counting
• Labor: Representation from IAM & the Building & Trades Council
• Education: 4 Community & Technical Colleges and K-12 Tech Prep
• Economic Development Agencies: 4 partners
• Workforce Development Councils: 3 Areas