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OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department was awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help more than 2,000 Boeing workers living in Washington who were affected by the company’s recent layoffs.
Workforce Snohomish, Future Workforce Alliance of Snohomish County and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, in partnership with Employment Security, will oversee outreach, participant services, employer engagement and coordination for the National Dislocated Worker Grant.
As of the first quarter of 2024, the aerospace and manufacturing sector accounted for 2.6% of employment in the state, 2.9% in King County and 12.6% in Snohomish County.
“The magnitude of this layoff, especially in Snohomish and King counties, severely strained the capacity of our local workforce system,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “This grant, in partnership with Sea-King and Snohomish workforce development boards, will allow us to provide targeted help to workers affected by the layoffs.”
In October 2024, Boeing announced companywide layoffs of 17,000 employees, a 10% reduction. Of the approximately 66,000 employees in Washington, 2,192 were laid off in January 2025, including 2,141 (98%) in Snohomish and King counties.
“Snohomish County is the heart of the aerospace industry and a global hub for aerospace manufacturing talent,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Our world-class talent must have rapid access to training and jobs, and Snohomish County strongly supports the state’s effort to speed resources to help workers.”
Feek said the impact of more than 2,000 displaced workers exceeds the current capacity of the two local workforce development boards to serve dislocated workers, especially considering other layoffs in the area.
"Boeing’s layoffs ripple through our entire region, affecting workers, families, communities, and local economies,” Marie Kurose, CEO of Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County said. “This investment allows us to respond quickly and thoughtfully to support impacted workers as they move toward high-quality, future-ready jobs and training. This funding helps to keep people and employers connected, and our regional economy strong.”
The dislocated worker funding will support affected aerospace workers and supply chain employees in returning to high-quality jobs through a range of employment and training services. The initiative will prioritize individualized career planning, skill development and employer engagement to ensure participants receive necessary support to transition into sustainable jobs in growth industries.
“It is a priority for the Future Workforce Alliance to help develop and retain our world-class manufacturing talent, and to ensure our key industries are supported,” Future Workforce Alliance Board Chair Dr. Janice Greene said. “This funding lets us expand access to resources for individuals at a time they need that support the most.”
In preparation for the layoffs late last year, Employment Security, local workforce development boards and state WorkSource staff led rapid response efforts with Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace. Rapid response included four in-person/virtual events in November and December to about 300 dislocated workers. The events provided information on available support for workers, including health care and career and job retraining programs available throughout the state’s WorkSource system.
Over 18 months, the grant will support a multi-channel outreach strategy, working directly with Boeing and supply chain employers, local nonprofits and educational institutions.
"This grant is an opportunity to empower our aerospace workers and ensure that Snohomish County retains its vital, highly skilled talent,” Workforce Snohomish President and CEO Joy Emory said. “By providing targeted retraining and career transition resources combined with Workforce Compass, a skills-based training exploration and hiring platform, we’re not only supporting individuals but fueling the growth of current and emerging sectors across the region.”
Emory encouraged employers seeking local talent, especially those laid off from Boeing, to connect with Workforce Snohomish’s business engagement team.
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