business backgrounder | education & workforce
realizing benefits
But there are more benefits to workforce development than helping companies fill open spots on the shop floors . Apprenticeships are the backbone of the middle class in many countries , but not in America , Poischbeg said . “ Here we have a great opportunity to strengthen the middle class ,” he said . Scott Anderson of CSR Marine said he had trouble in school but gained valuable skills in metal shop classes .
He had seven job offers when he graduated high school , and later founded his own company .
Employers also heard from innovative education leaders that are shaking up the traditional public school model , including the leader of Spokane Valley Tech , an Eastern Washington high school focused on college and career readiness .
Principal Camille Nielsen says she ’ s battling the notion that all students must get a four-year college degree , and constantly encouraging kids to investigate “ fantastic living wage jobs ” available through two-year degrees , certifications or training .
“ We need you as community members … to help us communicate that message ,” Nielsen said .
AWB ’ s most recent Employer of the Year award recipient shared their strategies to create and maintain a strong workforce .
Michele Beehler of Schweitzer Engineer Laboratories said her company structures employee benefits around long-term incentives like retirement , stock and onsite medical , fitness and childcare for both employees and their families .
Steve Lorence of Energy Northwest says his organization makes major investments in training employees . He noted that a nuclear power plant could be shut down by federal regulators if certain positions are unfilled . Energy Northwest managers also make an effort to seek employee feedback , develop and train leaders , and take other steps to reduce turnover and boost morale .
Dan and Jodi Martinez of AllStar Glass in Spokane came to learn more about developing a future workforce pipeline for their commercial glazing company . They wanted to get out of their backyard , Dan Martinez said , to see what was working in western Washington . They intend to connect with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee to learn more .
“ We ’ re glad we came ,” Dan Martinez said .
40 association of washington business