 June News
Building clean energy workforce through apprenticeships
As Washington’s clean energy sector continues to grow, registered apprenticeships are creating pathways into family-wage careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce needed for the state’s energy future. The U.S. Department of Energy has put a spotlight on registered apprenticeships as a key “earn while you learn” pathway for workers to connect with opportunities in the energy sector. Over the course of their career, workers who complete a registered apprenticeship can earn about $300,000 more in wages and benefits, compared to workers who have not. The Workforce Board evaluates apprenticeships as part of an annual look at the employment and earnings outcomes of participants. Apprenticeship completers in Washington notch a 92% employment rate, with completers earning just over $103,000 per year. In Washington, the taxpayers’ net return on apprenticeship investment is $7.80 for every $1 invested. Get more details on apprenticeship outcomes as part of Workforce Training Results. Apprenticeships are also featured as part of the Workforce Board’s annual workforce development poster (matrix), which provides an at-a-glance summary of the state’s key workforce programs.
Occupational data provides new workforce insights
Washington began collecting occupational data from employers starting in 2022 through unemployment insurance reporting, including workers' job titles and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. Washington was just the third state to do this in the nation, and the expanded dataset provides a clearer picture of who is working in specific occupations, where jobs are located, and how workers move between industries and careers over time. A recent forum hosted by the Washington State Labor Council featured expert insights from the state’s Employment Security Department and the Workforce Board on the growing uses of occupational data. The CETWAC report from December 2025 was mentioned as one of the first legislative reports to apply the expanded occupational data when analyzing workforce demographics. Learn more about Washington’s occupational data initiative on the Workforce Board’s occupational data webpage.
Solar agreement with Microsoft brings jobs, clean energy
Avangrid has signed a fourth renewable energy agreement with Microsoft for a 140 Megawatts direct current (MWdc) Bluebird Solar project in Klickitat County. The deal expands their renewable energy partnership to more than 500 MWdc of contracted capacity in the United States. The project will support Microsoft’s clean‑energy goals and contribute to Washington’s growing renewable infrastructure. Construction is expected to create about 300 jobs and generate roughly $11 million in property tax revenue over its lifetime. Avangrid plans to bring the $300 million facility online in 2028, further strengthening its presence in the region.
Redefining roles for student success advisors
States are experiencing increased demand for stronger advising systems as students navigate complex education-to-career pathways in the energy industry and others. A recent report from New America, a policy and research foundation, offers insight into how advising systems improve GPAs, credential attainment, and postsecondary persistence. States favor systems that distribute responsibilities across K–12, postsecondary, and workforce partners. Early efforts in Maryland, Kentucky, and North Carolina show that clearly defined roles, cross sector collaboration, and consistent communication routines are essential to delivering coherent advising that supports students into the workforce.
Energy sector careers and unions
Labor unions represent about 18% of the energy sector’s workforce and play a major role in building and maintaining essential infrastructure. They also offer direct training for high-skill, high-demand roles with strong safety standards. The energy sector employs more than eight million people, continues to grow, and offers many technical jobs that pay roughly 25% above the national median wage. Community-based organizations and national groups like the Center for Energy Workforce Development help jobseekers access apprenticeships, short-term training, and resources such as the Get Into Energy job board and Troops to Energy Jobs for veterans.
Timber technology means cleaner buildings, environment
Education and government leaders recently toured four Seattle Public Schools projects showcasing the district’s progress with mass timber construction. Mass timber refers to engineered wood products created from smaller low value trees, to form larger structural components. District staff and project teams shared facts about carbon reduction goals, long-term building performance, design strategies, and insurance considerations. Case study projects are highlighted in the Mass Timber Schools Hub in support of wider adoption.
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This is the final newsletter for the Clean Energy Technology Workforce Advisory Committee. But don’t say goodbye just yet! For more workforce news, sign up for the Workforce Board’s statewide workforce newsletter.
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