More than 90
percent of AWB
members employ
fewer than 100
people. More than
half of AWB’s
members employ
fewer than 10.
growing a skilled workforce
As the state’s economy grows, so does the
need for a skilled workforce. That’s why
the theme of workforce development,
recruitment and retention ran through
nearly every AWB event in 2018.
The discussion on workforce development
started with AWB’s Workforce Summit in
March, where apprenticeships, work-based
learning and student engagement in hands-
on careers were the focus. And, it continued
as legislative leaders, employers and expert
panelists gathered at AWB’s first-ever Early
Childhood Learning event in April to share the
business case for engaging in the dialogue on
access to quality child care and early learning
to support employees and build the future
workforce. Panels on these topics also took
place at the AWB Policy Summit in September
and Rural Jobs Summit in November.
As part of celebrating AWB’s Manufacturing
Week bus tour and Manufacturing Month
in October, the association partnered with
the state Employment Security Department
and its WorkSource arm to create the
WAManufacturingCareers.com website,
which links manufacturers with job seekers.
AWB was also active in preparing member
employers for the first phase of the new
statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave
program through the creation of explainer
videos geared toward both employers and
employees and four webinars open to all
association members.
“This Workforce
Summit was
probably one of the
most eye-opening
experiences I’ve had
regarding the state
of Washington
and the direction
we’re heading.”
whitaker dunn,
technical
training coordinator,
dunn lumber
pg. 5