Recently, Central Washington University was awarded a $160,000 grant to launch a career readiness program.
“According to Gallup research, 22 percent of students don’t see a clear connection between their studies and their future careers,” said Katrina Whitney, director of career services at CWU. “If we can close that gap and make this particular path clear, it will help with student retention and hopefully lead to improved retention rates.”
The aim is for students to undertake internships and apprenticeships during their first and second years, allowing them to gain the experience and skills they need to become professionals.
“Once they go through that process and are in their third year, they’re ready to go into the job readiness certificate program and can assure employers that I have a badge, I have this on my resume, I have the skills to work for your company,” said Selena Castro, associate dean for CWU’s College of Education and Professional Studies.
The program will be launched targeting construction and construction-related sectors as there is a demand for workers in these sectors.
“The Career Construction grant will allow this program to promote other degree programs within the university and also to learn how those other degree programs fit into the construction management job field,” said Warren Plugge, program coordinator and professor of construction management at CWU.
The funding will help build a pipeline from high schools, community colleges and technical schools to CWU and prepare students for careers after graduation.
“We have longstanding partnerships with our associated general contractors, and through that, we have over 600 member companies that hire from Central Washington University,” Castro says, “so there’s a great opportunity for students in all of these degree programs to think about their career paths.”
According to Plug, the demand for construction workers is high because many people currently working in the industry are retiring.
