Centers of Excellence
Learn About Our Network
Washington’s Centers of Excellence serve as economic development drivers for industry and education across the entire state. Each Center works closely with the state’s community and technical colleges, industry and businesses, as well as stakeholders from government, education and labor.
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
From Bill Boeing’s Red Barn to cutting-edge satellite makers, Washington State offers a rich history and cutting-edge innovation in aerospace and manufacturing. We are home to more than 4,000 aerospace engineers, over 142,500 aerospace workers, and 285,484 workers in manufacturing.
Contact: Kelsey Sanderson Office Phone: 425-388-9454
Agriculture & Natural Resource
Rich soils, diverse climates, and large-scale irrigation make Washington one of the most productive growing regions of the world and enables farmers to produce some 300 crops each year (WSDA, 2014). The state’s $49 billion food and agriculture industry employs about 160,000 people and contributes 13% to the state’s economy.
Director: Lindsey Williams
Office Phone: 509-527-4635
Allied Health
The term “Allied Health” is used to identify a cluster of health professionals, encompassing as many as 200 careers. Essentially, there are two broad categories: Technicians, such as physical therapy assistants, medical laboratory technicians, radiological technicians, occupational therapy assistants, recreation therapy assistants, and more.
Director: Dan Ferguson
Office Phone: 509-574-6863
Careers in Education
The Center of Excellence for Careers in Education is designed to respond to the workforce training needs and interests of educational institutions and industries in Washington State. The pipeline for future educators converges here…offering pathways in para-education and early child education as well as college and university level teacher-preparation programs.
Director: Jamie Wells
Office Phone: 253-833-9111 ext. 4963
Clean Energy
The clean energy industry is in the midst of immense change that will bring a significant number of new jobs to Washington state as well as the rest of our nation. We’ll experience a tremendous amount of growth in emerging technologies within this sector. What to watch out for: hydrogen, fusion, biofuels and advancements in electrification. Utilities will move into a zero-emission economy and we will be here to support them with a well-trained workforce.
Director: Monica Brummer
Office Phone: 360-623-8924
Construction
The Construction Center of Excellence is a resource for industry, education, and labor in the construction industry. This Center will assist you with locating agencies, training programs, opportunities, and information about the construction industry that will provide connections for you to gain the knowledge and resources to fit your needs.
Director: Christina Rupp
Office Phone: 206-816-0719
Cybersecurity
At this critical juncture, Washington state faces a significant risk to its economy with over 10,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions. The escalating frequency of cyber-attacks targeting companies of all sizes in Washington has resulted in substantial economic losses. To address this pressing challenge, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the state from cyber threats by bridging the gap between employers and cultivating highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Director: Brent Lundstrom
Office Phone: 360-594-8337
Global Trade & Supply Chain Management
40% of all jobs in Washington State are connected to trade, making this region the most trade-engaged. Washington-based companies like Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, Chateau St. Michelle, and Eddie Bauer consider supply chain management a key factor in their success. Supply chain management enables them to build and deliver products more competitively…better, faster, and cheaper.
Director: Sam Kaplan
Office Phone: 206-592-4838
Homeland Security-Emergency Management
Homeland Security & Emergency Management is about securing borders, airports, seaports, and waterways, researching and developing the latest security technologies, responding to natural disasters or terrorists assaults, analyzing intelligence reports, and much more.
Director: Linda Crerar
Office Phone: 253-912-3689
Information & Computing Technology
Washington remains one of the country’s leading hubs for cutting-edge innovation and a wide range of technology careers - from software development and systems administration to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The Center of Excellence for Information and Computing Technology collaborates with community and technical colleges, job seekers, employers, K-12 educators, and tech sector leaders to build a skilled technical workforce for Washington State.
Director: Brianna Rockenstire
Office Phone: 425-564-4229
Marine Manufacturing & Technology
Boat and ship building are in a robust period of technological innovation, nationally and internationally. Those wishing to pursue a career in marine manufacturing and technology have the opportunity to train for and earn, through examination, a breadth of industry recognized certifications.
Director: Ann Avary
Office Phone: 360-766-6282 ext. 43504
Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing
The Semiconductor & Electronics Manufacturing Center of Excellence supports education programs that develop skilled workers for many of Washington’s industries including aerospace and computing.
Director: Carl Douglas
Office Phone: 360-609-3406