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As we continue celebrating the impact of Registered Apprenticeships in Washington, we’re spotlighting how the Apprenticeship Building America grant is driving measurable progress expanding pathways in high-demand fields.
Surpassing goals 6 months ahead of schedule
Across the country, investments into career-connected learning from the Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant are helping states strengthen their workforce pipelines. And Washington is no exception. As the grant approaches its conclusion in June, its impact in our state is already unmistakable. This investment — administered by Career Connect Washington — surpassed its performance goals in December 2025.
“The apprenticeship system has effectively used the funds to bring cutting-edge programs, curricula, and training equipment to Washington. The ABA grant program has already exceeded performance objectives for new apprentices, new pre-apprentices, and stakeholders engaged,” said Career Connect Washington Manager Andrew Clemons.
“This shows real return on investment and demonstrates the power of Registered Apprenticeships to deliver results for industry and the workforce,” he said.
Evaluating ABA program success
Partners recently gathered in person at Highline College on April 7 and 8 for an ABA Evaluation Convening, an extension of the ABA Community of Practice that has met regularly online since 2023. During the first day of the event, representatives from Social Policy Research Associates facilitated focus groups for apprentices, program builders, employers and community partners. The focus groups are part of an evaluation the organization is conducting on behalf of the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. The Workforce Board will publish an evaluation report available to the public this summer. Learn about the Workforce Board’s work on their website.
During the second day, representatives from the Washington Student Achievement Council, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and Washington State Department of Labor and Industries provided technical assistance to program builders.
More about the grant
Career Connect Washington awarded funds from the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America Grant to a total of 26 partners — called program builders — so they could build, expand or enhance apprenticeships in Washington. The Employment Security Department received the one-time $5,682,883 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Read more about USDOL grant funding at the Employment Security website.
Also, with support from this grant, our partners at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries updated the Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System (ARTS). The ARTS database lists all registered apprenticeship programs available in Washington. Learn more about the database on the Labor & Industries website.
This is the third in a 3-part blog series. Read our previous blog, Building stronger pathways into the construction trades.