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JumpStart program
JumpStart helps young adults start careers in clean energy and the skilled trades. The program emphasizes electrical, HVAC, solar, and project management career pathways.
We support young people from underrepresented communities to pursue living wage career pathways that contribute to a cleaner and healthier King County.
Whether you are a young adult looking to build a sustainable career, or a local contractor ready to connect with a job-ready workforce and contract on King County projects, JumpStart is here to build connections!
How JumpStart works
As part of the 2025 King County Climate and Workforce Strategy, JumpStart helps adults 18 and older find jobs in the green economy. These jobs include, but are not limited to, the clean energy sector. Such as:
- Transportation
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Professional services and project management
- Technology
JumpStart collaborates with local workforce development programs to provide candidates with hands-on paid learning experiences at local businesses blended with climate education. Participants can apply the skills they learn in training and receive follow-up support for full-time job opportunities after completing the program.
After completing training, we match participants with one of our JumpStart Network contractors for 240 hours of work-based learning (a paid internship!). This provides hands-on training and employment opportunities.
We recruit local contractors to join our JumpStart Network. As part of the JumpStart Network, businesses partner to:
- Train the next generation
- Learn about incentives and opportunities to be a part of the clean energy transition
- Get resources on contracting with King County
Testimonials
Hear from some of our training partners and participants about their experiences with the JumpStart program.
Morgan Zehrung, owner of Forecast Solar
Jaiona Griffin, participant
Juan Avila, participant
Program schedule
We run two cohorts per year. All candidates must be referred by a partner program or have completed an equivalent training program or pre-apprenticeship. If you are interested in joining our program, please fill out our participant interest form to receive additional information about enrollment.
Ready to join JumpStart?
Become a trainee
Are you ready to learn new skills and start a paid work opportunity to launch your career in clean energy and the skilled trades?
Learn how you can start training with JumpStart
Become a contractor host site
Are you a contractor looking to grow your business, train the next generation, and unlock the benefits of working with King County?
Meet the team
Dani Hurula, JumpStart program manager
Dani manages the JumpStart program, a workforce initiative connecting young people ages 18-24 to paid work-based learning experiences in clean energy roles, like electrical, HVAC, solar, off-site construction manufacturing, project management, and more. Dani has been a project manager at King County for over 5 years, launching and managing innovative programs that connect young people to social, economic, and academic opportunities. Dani holds an MPA from the University of Washington and serves on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Speak With Purpose.
Brian Doyle, business engagement
As a former contractor specializing in sustainability and business engagement, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the JumpStart program. I'm dedicated to providing King County businesses with the tools and connections they need to thrive sustainably.
NeeCee Davis, senior case manager
NeeCee launched her social services career in 2015. Her journey in case management began at Evergreen Goodwill's Job Training & Education Center, where she initially served as an Employment Specialist before advancing to the role of College Navigator. In this capacity, NeeCee worked with the PACT Program, a construction pre-apprenticeship at Seattle Central College's Wood Technology Center. Her dedication and skills led her to become the Outreach, Retention, & Placement Coordinator for the PACT Program. Recognizing her talent and experience through her partnership with King County’s Energize pilot, the King County JumpStart team recruited NeeCee as their Sr. Case Manager. In this role, she provides crucial case management services and job placement support to JumpStart participant.