AGC of Washington pushed for two workforce-development projects that were included in the operating budget that passed the Legislature and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The first budget proviso continues funding for the Core Plus program which also increases funding for Core Plus Construction grants for schools. AGC was able to increase the funding from $150,000 to $350,000 per year. Core Plus Construction is a program developed by the AGC Education Foundation for high-school students to explore careers in the construction industry. Students use hands-on learning to gain real-world skills and earn graduation credits.
AGC partnered with the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW) and the Tulalip Employment Rights Office‘s (TERO) pre-apprentice program to get funding in the operating budget for the expansion of pre-apprentice programs for the construction of tiny houses. This funding will introduce approximately 400 pre-apprentice and construction training students (mostly women and people of color) to the construction industry who will be paid a $1,300 stipend each to build 50 tiny houses. These houses will go to tiny house villages in the Puget Sound region providing shelter, safety and community to people and families experiencing homelessness, and serve as a stepping stone to permanent housing. The majority of the students in these programs are women and people of color which will assist in expanding diversity in the construction industry and put these students on a pathway toward additional training for a career and living wage in the construction industry.
If you have any questions regarding these programs, contact Michele Willms.