Bates Technical College | Field Guide 2023

Each year, about 6,700 students of every age and background turn to Bates Technical College to train for well-paying careers. Founded in 1940, Bates delivers hands-on education at three Tacoma campuses. Our college offers two-year degrees, short-term certificates, academic courses, a technical high school and life-long learning opportunities. Whether students are 16 or 60, just out of high school or working adults, our college prepares them for the next step up in life.

As a technical college that serves a large number of lower-income students, students of color and students who are the first in their families to attend college, Bates is key to creating a stronger and more inclusive economy.

Key Facts

Highest Enrolled Programs

Practical Nurse
Welding
Fire Service
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Electrical Construction
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology
Automotive Technology
Early Childhood Education
Digital Media
Auto Body Rebuilding and Refinishing

Enrollment

Headcount (all sources): 6,837
FTES (all sources): 3,507
Headcount (state-funded): 5,786
FTES (state-funded): 2,824

Students in Selected Programs

Apprentices: 1,740
I-BEST: 294
International: 7
Running Start: 9
Technical High School: 623
Worker Retraining: 427

Student Profile

Type of Student

Academic/transfer: 2%
Basic skills: 4%
Workforce education: 79%
Other: 15%

Race/Ethnicity*

Students of color: 40%

American Indian/Alaska Native: 4%
Asian: 8%
Black/African American: 13%
Hispanic/Latino: 15%
Pacific Islander: 3%
White: 71%

Attendance

Full-time: 48%
Part-time: 52%

Family and Finances

Students receiving need-based financial aid: 29%
Students with dependents: 45%

Gender

Female: 40%
Male: 60%

Median age

Points of Interest

First lady Jill Biden highlights Bates Technical College’s high school programs

First lady Dr. Jill Biden and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education Amy Loyd visited Bates to tour two programs that connect youth to workforce education while earning high school diplomas: the youth apprenticeship program and Bates Technical High School. Biden and Loyd visited the college’s Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology program and Welding program, and spoke at a Bates Technical High School event.

Health care partnership fuels industry with much-needed employees

To address the shortage of medical workers, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has partnered with Bates’ Nursing Assistant Certified program. Through the partnership, VMFH will pay student tuition and fees, an hourly salary as a nursing assistant trainee at St. Joseph Medical Center, a sign-on bonus and a 12-month, full-time position once students complete their certification. A similar partnership with MultiCare Health System is in place with the college’s Phlebotomy program. These partnerships increase access and reduce financial barriers to those considering a health care career.

Demand rises for qualified workers in fire service, broadcasting and digital media fields

In Washington state, demand for firefighters is rising, with a projected growth of 7% from 2020-30*. Likewise in media and communications fields, the state has seen the industry grow faster than average at 29% for broadcasting/video production technicians*, and 47%** for digital media careers like special effects artists and animators. In response, Bates has seen enrollment boosts in related career education programs. With a dedication to hands-on and experiential learning, Digital Media program student Chris says Bates gets students career-ready so they can step into their chosen career prepared to work. Fire Service program graduate Chase notes that area fire departments recognize that hardworking students graduate from Bates. The data and testimonials show the college is fulfilling its workforce-focused mission to inspire, challenge and educate.

*Data from O*Net Online.
**Data from Career OneStop.

Data is from the 2021-22 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted.

*Students of color percent based on unduplicated headcount. Students may be counted in more than one race, so race/ethnicity percentages may not total 100%. Percentages calculated on reported value.