SOUTH SOUND BUSINESS

Pierce County Executive Announces Initiative to Expand Apprenticeship, Trade Skills Opportunities

Aug 31, 2026, 12:30 PM

South Sound Business...

South Sound Business

Originally published on South Sound Business.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello announced today at Clover Park Technical College‘s Eastside Training Center the county’s new Building Together initiative, which aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities for local workers and reducing barriers for area contractors bidding on public projects.

The initiative was launched by several Pierce County departments that are partnering with contractors, workforce-development advocates, labor unions, and other technical colleges. The program will help train hundreds of people in the community and grow the local workforce, according to a Pierce County press release.

Mello was at today’s event to additionally announce a $300,000 investment for job-training programs at Clover Park. The Lineworker & Arboriculture Scholarship Program and Eastside Technical Bridge Program will each receive $150,000 for job training that will go on to help more than 200 students. Investments will help those training for careers in construction, electrical, forest and vegetation management, HVAC work, plumbing, and more.

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