OLYMPIA — The Washington State Legislature earmarked $42 million to fully fund continued construction at West Sound Technical Skills Center (WST) in Bremerton.
The funding, reserved in the final capital budget, will finish construction of one of the state’s largest skills trade centers, serving up to 1,000 students from 10 school districts in the western Puget Sound. WST provides trades and skills training in construction, welding, automotive and collision repair, medical and dental, cosmetology, maritime, criminal justice, culinary, and early childhood learning programs.
“This is a huge win for students and the community at large,” Sen. Deb Krishnadasan (D-Gig Harbor) said. “I’ve been an advocate for career technical education since my time as a school board member. The facility’s completion will expand opportunities and create pathways for students wanting to pursue a trades career, which can lead to living-wage jobs right out of high school. This program also addresses the urgent workforce needs in so many of our local industries. I appreciate everyone who partnered and advocated for this project, including my colleagues.”
WST partners with 10 school districts, including Bremerton, Central Kitsap, Chimacum, North Kitsap, North Mason, Peninsula, Quilcene, Bainbridge Island, South Kitsap, and Port Townsend, providing advanced career and technical education at no cost to high school juniors and seniors.
“This funding means that our students are receiving the best possible education and learning in environments that reflect the real working world,” WST Director Ryan Nickels said. “The students we serve will be better prepared for the future and more competitive after graduation.”
The funding is a part of the capital budget package, which pays for acquiring and maintaining state buildings, schools, public lands, parks, and other assets.
“This session is full of hard decisions, especially in a year where resources are finite and needs are high. But we heard from students, educators and families that completing this facility is vital for the region and its workforce development goals,” said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), Senate Ways & Means Committee vice chair and lead capital budget writer. “I’m grateful we found a path forward for this funding, and I thank all the advocates who fought for this project, including the passionate force of my dear colleague, Sen. Krishnadasan.”
The House and Senate must pass the agreed-upon budget, after which then goes to the governor for his signature.
###
