Skills2Compete Washington seeks support for middle-skill jobs

Aircraft machinists, carpenters, dental hygienists, computer support technicians.

What do all of these jobs have in common?

All are considered “middle-skill jobs” requiring more than a high-school diploma but less than a four-year degree. They make up the largest portion of Washington state’s labor market, yet are consistently overlooked when it comes to policy and funding for education and training.

According to Kris Stadelman, CEO of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, there is a wide range of middle and technical skills that provide for family self-sufficiency. "If we want to meet the needs of our economy, we need to build these skills,” he said. 

 

A new campaign called Skills2Compete seeks to bring these jobs to the forefront. The Workforce Development Council is leading Skills2Compete Washington in partnership with The Workforce Alliance, a national group. This past summer, the two published a report called Washington's Forgotten Middle-Skills Jobs that demonstrate the cost of ignoring these crucial positions. More employers are having trouble filling jobs at the middle-skill level than at the high-skill level. Meanwhile, workers and youth are unaware of these jobs or unable to access training for the skills required. 

“The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is leading this campaign here in Washington because we believe that skills, not just education, are the key to a strong economy and prosperity for every resident, in every part of the state,” said Stadelman.

Skills2Compete is a call to action for policymakers, employers, educators, unions and others to support pathways to middle-skill jobs and strengthen this crucial area of our economy.  To add your voice or your company's voice to the campaign, visit Skills2Compete online.