Electrical Pathways’ top nine graduates, left to right: José Angel Lomeli Chavez, Ralph Ahmad, Jerad Shealey, Jordan Garner, Brooklyn Scherer, Marquise Givens (kneeling), Emanuel Arellano, Calvin Thompkins, and Deigo de la Rosa (inset). Photo by Keith Williams of Flyright Productions. Nine top graduates of the Electrical Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship by Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) celebrated their direct entry offers to union apprenticeships on July 3! The graduates will join the Puget Sound Electrical JATC (PSEJATC) in Renton.
In all, 24 pre-apprentices completed Electrical Pathways training and testing. One top graduate attained the third-highest score among all applicants seeking entry to the PSEJATC’s coveted “01 Inside Wire” apprenticeship, as of the most recent testing cycle.
The City of Seattle provided funding for ECC’s program when federal support was unexpectedly paused earlier this year. This achievement shows significant movement in Seattle’s commitment to building an inclusive clean energy workforce — we are excited to celebrate this year’s graduates!
Building Tomorrow’s Climate Workforce Today
“Climate workforce” refers to employment and career prospects that address climate change, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate research, green technology, and more.
The City of Seattle has been investing in climate workforce development for years in partnership with training providers like ECC. We bring workforce development into policymaking, taking new laws, regulations, and programs as opportunities to create well-paying local climate jobs.
One example of this is Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS) law, under which most large buildings in Seattle will need to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Policies like this create local jobs in electrification, construction, engineering, and more while combating climate change.
ECC’s Electrical Pathways program represents exactly the kind of climate workforce development Seattle needs to achieve our ambitious climate commitments.
About Emerald City Collaborative’s Electrical Pathways Program
Program participants complete electrical pre-apprenticeship training delivered by the Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Council. The program included:
- Essential tools and work gear are provided to participants who need them, supporting retention and employment entry.
- Case management and support services to supplement technical program content. Seattle Jobs Initiative and volunteer electricians deliver supplemental instruction, including “soft skills” training, math classes, and mock interviews.
- Direct apprenticeship pathways are open to top performers, guaranteeing career progression.
The nine top graduates are now entering the workforce, ready to install electric heating, heat recovery ventilation systems, and heat pumps that support building electrification and advance the city’s transition away from fossil fuels while earning family-sustaining wages. These aren’t just jobs; they are essential careers for climate action.
ECC also prioritizes the placement of Priority Hire individuals into their programs. Priority Hire is the City of Seattle’s designation for workers historically underserved in construction careers — individuals residing in economically distressed ZIP codes, women, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC).
When Federal Funding Disappeared, Seattle Responded
ECC’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program faced an uncertain future when nearly 40 percent of anticipated federal funding was paused. This threatened to derail a program specifically designed to prepare workers for the clean energy jobs Seattle needs to become a climate-resilient city.
OSE led a coordinated response with Seattle Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) and the Office of Economic Development (OED) to identify resources to ensure the program could continue. The partnership between City departments demonstrated how strategic coordination can overcome funding challenges to protect vital programs.
ECC’s HVAC Career Prep Academy Gains Washington State Recognition
The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council has officially recognized ECC’s HVAC Career Preparation Academy as a registered pre-apprenticeship. Washington’s pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare individuals for success in apprenticeships while increasing diversity in skilled trades.
State recognition provides program graduates:
- Direct pathways to registered apprenticeship programs
- Industry-recognized training that meets state standards
- Enhanced job placement opportunities in clean energy
- College credit potential for completed coursework
This state recognition represents a significant step forward in providing equitable pathways into union jobs for our community members. ECC’s program serves those looking to start careers in residential and commercial HVAC, building operations, or seeking pathways to apprenticeship in the growing clean energy sector.
Our Longtime Partnership with Emerald Cities Collaborative
Through years of working together on workforce development policies and most recently the BEPS law, the City of Seattle and ECC have built a long-term partnership that creates a foundation for expanding inclusive pathways into clean energy careers. ECC’s expertise in developing pathways for underrepresented communities into clean energy careers works together with Seattle’s commitment to ensuring that the clean energy transition benefits overburdened communities.
Ready to start your clean energy career journey?
ECC’s pre-apprenticeship programs are accepting applications for upcoming cohorts. Visit ECC’s website or call Roz Jenkins at (360) 970-3591 to learn how you can be part of Seattle’s growing clean energy workforce.