On Wednesday, Everett Community College leadership hosted an industry reception at Everett’s Hotel Indigo, hearing from industry on their needs and sharing more on the college’s work to meet those needs.
With more than a dozen industry representatives in attendance, Everett’s Interim President Dr. Darrell Cain commenced the reception with an overview of the college’s work and an ask to better understand industry’s workforce needs.
Leadership from Everett, including Vice President of Instruction Dr. Cathy Leaker, Dean Herman Calzadillas, and Corporate & Continuing Education Center (CCEC) Executive Director Kristen McConaha spoke to the college’s desire to offer relevant programs designed, the current offerings at Everett’s Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center and CCEC, and details on the Job Skills Program. Dean Calzadillas recognized employers in the room, thanking Achilles, ATS, Nichols, Dynon, Crane and others for regularly and recently hiring EvCC students.
Center of Excellence Executive Director Jason Petrait followed, providing an overview of the Center’s work and highlighting Senate Bill 5721, which authorizes a B&O tax credit for private sector investment in training and education of current and future aerospace and advanced manufacturing workers. The bill, if passed, could help industry train incumbent workers at community colleges, including Everett.
To close, Dr. Cain invited attendees to answer the afternoon’s central question: “What are your workforce needs?” Industry was forthcoming, voicing the need for trained professionals in metrology and non-destructive testing, among other occupations.
The conversation, camaraderie, and opportunity to share made for a rewarding evening. The Center of Excellence looks forward to contributing to future EvCC industry-focused events.