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 King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Representative Jesse Johnson of Federal Way discussed the project at last weeks’ Time Capsule event. 

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer has announced the inclusion of $250,000 to create a pre-apprenticeship training program with Federal Way Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education as part of the county’s priority hire program in the 2021-2022 King County budget. 

The goal of the program will be to provide valuable hands-on education experience and training in the construction trades industry. The program is based off a successful model in the Marysville School District where high school and community college students gain pre-apprenticeship skills in carpentry, electrical and labor.

“As our region continues to grow, so does the gap between the demand for construction labor and the supply of skilled trade workers in our area’s labor market,” von Reichbauer said. “I want to thank Representative Jesse Johnson of Federal Way, who works in the Highline School District, for his recommendation of this project. This program will place our students in an elevated position for potential employment opportunities and allow them to benefit from valuable mentorship opportunities.”

“This funding will ensure our diverse students have opportunities to lead and shape the future of our trade industries,” Johnson said. “Amidst times of economic uncertainty, we have opened the door to engage, inspire, and prepare students with hands-on educational experiences in building and construction trades that will lead them to economic opportunity within our own community.”

In the first year, the program plans to serve 50-75 students, with plans to serve 100 students beginning in the year 2022. The program will help link Federal Way Public Schools students to opportunities in building and construction trades in the Federal Way area.

The King County Council unanimously passed a $12.6 billion dollar budget for 2021-22, a budget that is more than $900 million less than the 2019-2020 budget. Councilmember von Reichbauer focused many of his budget proposals on programs for youth in King County due to his concern about the lack of job and recreation opportunities available for youth in Federal Way and Auburn, and the resulting increase in juvenile crime. Councilmember von Reichbauer’s office will be releasing information about these proposals in the coming weeks.