Washington State Skill Center Association

Tri-Tech Skills Center

About Video Game Design
Interested in pursuing a career in the digital interactive entertainment industry? The Video Game Design program is all about creating technology—not just using it. This application-based learning course is designed for students who wish to become a video game programmers, also known as RTIS (Real Time Interactive Simulation) developers. You’ll learn the coding skills that make games function, as well as the design and art theory that make them visually compelling. The course also highlights how math and written communication play a key role in the video game industry, while introducing you to a range of related career paths. Students should be strong in math and ready for Algebra II.

Learn More:
Tri-Tech Skills Center
https://tritech.ksd.org/
Address: 5929 W Metaline Ave
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 222-7300

Core Plus Aerospace
Meet Jackson K., a participant in the Student Development Program at Boeing in Washington from the Puget Sound Skills Center .
What’s your Student Development Program experience been like?
“My experience as a whole has been amazing for my career. I’m proud of accomplishing the fact that I’m in this Student Development Program and it’s setting me up for so many different career paths.”
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YV-Tech - Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center

About Culinary Arts

Program Experience

• Craft amazing and fun foods using flames, knives and creative chemistry

• Cook alongside professional chefs in modern commercial kitchens preparing local, regional and international cuisine

• Express creativity as part of a team that designs menus, prepares meals, organizes catered events and develops unique dining experiences

Career Focus

Prepared for immediate employment, advanced certifications and further education

Opportunities

• Internships

• Certifications

• College Credit

Learn More:
yvhttps://yvtech.ysd7.org
1120 S. 18th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 573-5500

Thurston County Chamber

What does it look like when a local business invests in the workforce of tomorrow?
For Lacey Collision Center | @lacey_collision_center, it means working directly with students, educators, and programs like New Market Skills Center | @newmarketskills to help young people discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Zack Belman first walked into New Market Skills Center as a collision repair student in 1986. Today, he’s helping shape opportunities for a new generation, while Lacey Collision Center, Capital Collision Center, and their sister locations continue building a workforce rooted right here in our community.
It’s more than workforce development. It’s a long-term investment in Thurston County’s future.
👉 Read the full story: https://thurstonchamber.com/august-2026-voice-magazine/
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WV Tech - Wenatchee Valley Tech

About Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program prepares students for a career in the food and hospitality industries, training them to work in restaurants, hotels, resorts and cafeterias. Participants learn kitchen procedures, dining room service, deli operations, baking, food preparation, banquet and catering service, hosting and storeroom management. Local restaurants and hospitality companies are instructional partners, helping students learn through hands-on experience in a real restaurant. Students can earn industry permits and certifications including the WA State Food Worker Card.
*Culinary Arts Syllabus
*Culinary Arts Frameworks
*Culinary Arts Program of Study
*Culinary Arts Program of Study ​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Contact Chef Richard Kitos with any questions 509.662.882

Learn More:
wvtech.wenatcheeschools.org
327 E. Penny Rd.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-662-8827

Cascadia Tech Academy
About Barbering
YouTube Video Link

New for 2025-2026! This is a two-year program available to juniors. Students should have an interest in Barbering. Barbering prepares students to cut, trim, and style scalp and facial hair; massage the head; and prepare for practice as licensed barbers. It includes instruction in hair cutting and styling, shampooing, razor shaving, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labor laws and regulations.

Students Will Learn:

• Safety, Sanitation and Bacteriology

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Hair Cutting

• Hair Design/Face Shaving

• Salon Business Operations

• Leadership/Employability/Career Planning/Internships

Program Benefits:

• Competency Certificate

Industry Certifications Available:

• WA State Barbering License

• YouScience 21st Century Skills

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org

Tri-Tech Skills Center

About Pre-Physical Therapy
The Pre-Physical Therapy course is an excellent starting point for students interested in careers in ultrasound, radiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and other exciting healthcare fields. Students gain a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and Kinesio Taping®, while developing a variety of hands-on clinical skills that build confidence and real-world experience. Internship opportunities are available for qualified students, providing valuable exposure to professional healthcare settings.

Learn More:
Tri-Tech Skills Center
https://tritech.ksd.org/
Address: 5929 W Metaline Ave
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 222-7300

YV-Tech - Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center

About Cosmetology

Program Experience

• Express individual creativity by providing a wide range of artistic hair, nail, skincare, and barbering services using the latest technology, trends and name-brand products

• Explore all aspects of quality salon services and management alongside professional cosmetologists

• Work in the theater, film and advertising fields as a make-up, hair or nail artist

Career Focus

Prepared for state license, immediate employment, advanced certifications and further education

Opportunities

• Internships

• Certifications

• Scholarships

Learn More:
yvhttps://yvtech.ysd7.org
1120 S. 18th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 573-5500

Cascadia Tech Academy
About AVIATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
YouTube Video Link

The Aviation Science & Technology program is an entry point into many careers in the aerospace industry, including Pilot, Engineer, Drone Operator, Air Traffic Controller and Airplane Mechanic. Students will have the opportunity to earn a private pilot ground school certificate, commercial drone license and other technical certifications. The program offers both one- and two-year pathways into the aviation industry. These courses combine a broad foundation in aviation math and science with hours of hands-on flight simulation and with practical experience in unmanned aircraft systems, electronics, and aerospace design.

​Course Curriculum Includes:
Year 1

• Private Pilot Ground School

• Basic Aerodynamics 

• Aviation History and Careers

• Introduction to Flight

• Basic Aviation Weather

• Basic Flight Planning (VFR)

• Basic Aircraft Systems and Performance

• OSHA 10 (Ground Safety)

Year 2

• Instrument Ground School

• Airline Operations

• Career Planning

• Human Factors for Pilot

• Air Traffic Control and Pilot Communications

• Commercial Drone Systems and Operations

• Advanced Systems and Aerodynamics

• Advanced Aviation Weather

• Advanced Flight Planning (IFR)

• Internship or Capstone Project

 Program Benefits:

• Up to 45 college credits towards an aviation degree

• Up to 6 high school credits

• High school credit equivalency (1.0 lab science and 1.0 math per year if required)

• Flight instruction on FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (Simulators)

• Preparation for Post-Secondary Education & Skilled-Labor Jobs

• Exclusive scholarship opportunities

• Leadership and competition opportunities

• Competency Certificate

Industry Training & Certifications Opportunities:

• OSHA 10 (year 1)

• Private Pilot Ground School (year 1)

• Student Pilot License (year 1 or 2)

• FAA knowledge test endorsement (Private Pilot: year 1)

• FAA knowledge test endorsement (Instrument Pilot: year 2)

• FAA Commercial Drone Pilot License (year 2)

• 21st Century Skills Certificate (year 1 or 2)

• Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification (Coming Soon)

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org

WV Tech - Wenatchee Valley Tech

About Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice/Police Science program is geared to give a broad overview of law enforcement. From store security to Supreme Court judge, you will learn everything from the history of law enforcement to handcuffing a suspect. Various methods of instruction will be utilized to help the students learn. Lecture, presentations, guest speakers, field trips, written assignments, hands-on activities and written tests are among some of the techniques used. The focus is to give the student a taste of all aspects of law enforcement and aid them in their decision on a career.
*Course Syllabus
*OSPI Approved Curriculum Framework

Security Services to the General Public:
Our Criminal Justice program provides services at many large events in the Valley. Students are trained to help with parking and event security.

If you have questions, please contact the instructor:
Jared Reinfeld- (509) 662-8827

Learn More:
wvtech.wenatcheeschools.org
327 E. Penny Rd.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-662-8827

Tri-Tech Skills Center

About Pre-Medical Assisting
The Pre-Medical Assisting course is a starting point to begin a career in the medical field. Learn the language of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. This course involves learning back office medical procedures as well as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and lab procedures. Students will learn basic clinical skills and leave with the academic, technical and employability skills that will make them successful in the health care industry. Students can earn an internship working in a clinical setting. Students will have to continue on to additional education and training to become a licensed Medical Assistant. Successful students can also earn free college credits through CTE Dual Credit by earning a B+ or better both semesters.

Learn More:
Tri-Tech Skills Center
https://tritech.ksd.org/
Address: 5929 W Metaline Ave
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 222-7300

West Sound Tech Skills Center - WST

About Welding

Are you the type of person that enjoys working with your hands?
Do you take great pride in your work?
Are you the person that people go to when they need something built?
Do you enjoy seeing what you have created?
Are you looking for a career rather that a job?
Would you like to earn a great wage?
Did you answer yes to the questions above?

THEN WELDING IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU!

Students learn to cut and join metal using gas torch, arc and wire-feed welding equipment; repair broken metal parts on machinery, equipment, boats and structures. Students will learn: arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, air carbon arc cutting, plasma arc cutting, oxyfuel gas cutting and welding, and flux-core arc welding. You may be prepared to meet industry certification requirements as a certified welder upon successful completion of the program. At the end of the program successful students will be able to:

• Safely and accurately use a variety of electric arc processes, basic hand tools and shop equipment to fabricate durable goods.

• Safely and accurately use a variety of torches and fuel gasses to produce parts that are used to fabricate durable goods.

• Demonstrate teamwork, responsible/dependable behavior in decision making and task performance.

• Apply and practice workplace safety policies and procedures in the course of learning welding and related skills.

The Welding Trades Program at West Sound Technical Skills Center will introduce local high school students to the world of welding.. The students will experience hands on training with the tools of the trade in a real world setting. This program includes both in-class theory and on the job site experience. The Welding program is housed in a large facility that includes an expansive shop and classroom area. The program has a large outside work area where the students apply their skills. 

Students learn to cut and join metal using gas torch, arc and wire-feed welding equipment; repair broken metal parts on machinery, equipment, boats and structures. Students can be prepared to meet industry certification requirements as a certified welder upon successful completion of the program. Students will learn: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-core arc welding (FCAW), air carbon arc cutting, plasma arc cutting, and oxy-fuel gas cutting and welding. 

Students will be required to read and comprehend professional technical manuals; perform required business math skills; and communicate effectively in written and oral presentations. Dexterity and spatial skills contribute to student’s individual success in this career field. A strong command of math skills to include addition/subtraction/multiplication/division of whole numbers and fractions, measurement principles, plus an understanding of geometry will be necessary in this program. Students should possess good manual dexterity, have the ability to work on feet for long period of time and be able to lift heavy objects. Students need to complete at least one year for minimum skill development.

This program is modified open entry, which means a student may start at several times during the school year, depending on space available in the class. Students can receive elective and specific credits recommended to sending schools dependent upon student’s length of enrollment. Students that successfully complete the course will receive a certificate and have the opportunity to move into apprenticeship positions or if applicable acquire upwards of 8 college credits through PC3 Connect Dual Crediting. Certification from Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) available upon passing test to weld structural steel. WABO test is available at Olympic College

Learn More

https://www.westsoundtech.org/

West Sound Technical Skills Center
101 National Avenue NorthBremerton, WA 98312
360-473-0550

YV-Tech - Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center

About Construction Trades
Program Experience

• Work alongside industry professionals in all aspects of architecture and building, including: foundation, framing, roofing, and interior and exterior finishing

• Operate professional equipment and power tools

• Work individually and in teams to design and construct products and structures for the community

Career Focus

Prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeship, and further education

Opportunities

• Pre-Apprenticeship

• Certifications

• Geometry Credit

Learn More:
yvhttps://yvtech.ysd7.org
1120 S. 18th Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 573-5500

Twin Harbors Skills Center

Twin Harbors provides career and technical education to high school students interested in employment after high school and/or preparation for entering college or apprenticeship options.

About Cosmetology

Chavez Beauty School provides students with a high-quality educational program, offering hands-on training and classroom time to be well-prepared with confidence and education for the beauty industry. Students can choose from four courses of study designed to prepare students for the state licensing examination and employment in the industry: Barbering (1000-hour); Esthetics (750-hour); Cosmetology (1640-hour); and Manicure (600-hour). Each Monday a new chapter is started and testing is on Fridays. During the week, students are encouraged to exercise practical instruction, share ideas with classmates, locate clients, organize a plan for job strategy and engage in job shadowing.

Learn More:
https://thsc.asd5.org/
410 North G Street
Aberdeen, WA 98520
360-538-2039

Cascadia Tech Academy
About Automotive Technology
YouTube Video Link

Our Automotive Technology program is recognized by the industry as the top high school automotive training course in the region. Our instructors are ASE Certified Master Technicians and our program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. Our close partnerships with local dealerships and shops allow us to offer students the ability to get a head start on their career. The employment potential and wages are high for our students.

This program provides a two and a half-hour block of time split between the auto shop and related classroom work. The hands-on work and related instruction are based upon ASE educational standards, which include the skills, personal traits, and knowledge required to achieve entry-level employment in the automotive industry.

First year: Students will develop foundational skills and knowledge of auto repair that will be used throughout their entire career as an auto professional. These skills include: shop safety & hazardous materials handling, base engine operation, general vehicle maintenance, wheel & tire service, brake system maintenance, electrical testing & repair, engine performance maintenance.

Second year: Students will explore more advanced repair concepts on all vehicle systems and perform real repairs on school and personal vehicles. Students will also apply their knowledge through our internship program, which places students in local shops and dealerships working under the supervision of a mentor technician. This will allow students to build their skills and move into higher positions upon graduation. Internship is also an excellent pathway to employment, with many of our students gaining jobs and college sponsorship during their time as a Cascadia Tech Auto student.

Program Benefits:

• 3 High School credits per year

• May qualify for 1.0 Program of Study Math or 1.0 Lab Science academic credit equivalencies. See sending school counselor for eligibility. 

• Completion certificate from nationally recognized ASE certified program

• Leadership and competition opportunities through SkillsUSA

• Job opportunities and college sponsorship available through internships

• Preparation for next level of education/training

• Successful completion of the program, with a grade of “B” or higher, may result in college credit

Industry Certification:

• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level Certification, up to nine available

• EPA 609 Refrigerant Handling

• S/P2 Automotive Service Safety

• S/P2 Automotive Service Pollution Prevention

• YouScience 21st Century Skills

Learn More
www.cascadiatechnicalacademy.org
12200 NE 28th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682
360.604.1050
info@cascadiatechnicalacademy.org