Washington's Workforce Development Strategy

Youth Goal: Ensure all youth receive the education, training, and support they need for success in postsecondary education and/or work.

Objective 2 - All students leave high school prepared for success in further education and/or work.

No later than 2018: All high school students across Washington have the option to complete a career and technical education sequence that matches their career interests, articulates with postsecondary education and results in industry certification where applicable.

Steps To Get Us There

1. Increase the number of students who complete a CTE sequence and/or course requirements for admission to a four-year college or university or enrollment in college-level classes at a community or technical college by:
   • Identifying targets for increases. Leads: OSPI working withWorkforce Board, with other partners.
   • Conducting an ongoing campaign to increase awareness of teachers, counselors, students, parents, and the general public of the opportunities of rigorous CTE programs, using multiple strategies. Leads: Workforce Board working with OSPI, with other partners.
   • Establishing criteria for setting academic course equivalencies. Leads: OSPI working with the Workforce Board, with other partners.
   • Increasing the number of CTE courses that provide credit for math or science. Leads: OSPI working with school districts, with other partners. Requires the support of Governor and Legislature and General Fund – state appropriations.
   • Providing new opportunities for students in rural areas to complete a CTE sequence. Leads: OSPI working with Skills Centers, school districts, with other partners.
   • Expanding CTE offerings offered via distance learning options. Leads: OSPI working with school districts, with other partners.
   • Identifying high employer demand programs and expanding these offerings in secondary CTE sequences. Leads: OSPI working with Workforce Board, with other partners. Requires the support of Governor and Legislature and General Fund – state appropriations.
   • Expanding Grades 7-12 CTE sequences for students. Leads: OSPI working with school districts, with otherpartners. Requires the support of Governor and Legislature and General Fund – state appropriations.
   • Developing model statewide CTE articulation agreements that provide a program of sequenced courses and ensure all students have access to dual enrollment options. Leads:OSPI working with school districts, SBCTC, Workforce Board, with other partners.
   • Working with the State Board of Education to ensure high school graduation requirements contain a viable option for students to pursue a CTE sequence. Leads: OSPI working with Workforce Board, with other partner.
2. Expand pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities for youth. Leads: OSPI working with Department of Labor and Industries – Apprenticeship and Training Council, with other partners. Requires the support of Governor and Legislature and General Fund – state appropriations.
3. Provide opportunities for all youth to connect to the workplace, including mentorships, job shadows, internships and a variety of other strategies including:
   • Building upon the mentorship component of the In-Demand Scholars program. Lead(s): OSPI, Association of Washington Business, labor organizations, Workforce Development Councils, Workforce Board, with other partners. Requires the support of Governor and Legislature and General Fund – state appropriations.
4. Develop and implement best practice models to help basic skills deficient immigrant youth succeed in high school, including:
   • Developing I-BEST programs for use in middle schools and high schools (basic skills and English language programs that are integrated with occupational skills training). Leads: OSPI working with Skills Centers, SBCTC, with other partners
5. Help all students achieve the rigorous, high standards required for further education and/or work. Leads: OSPI with other partners

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