Job Skills Program (JSP) Grant

42 Years of Impact

The Job Skills Program (JSP) – started in 1983 to enhance economic development through short-term customized training – is now 42 years old. From 2,256 employees trained in the biennium 1983-1985, the program has grown and trained more than 81,000 employees in Washington State. 

About the Program

Job Skills grants are distributed to all corners of the state, including rural areas. They primarily serve areas where: 

• There is a shortage of skilled labor to meet businesses’ needs 
• Upgrading employee skills is necessary to avoid layoffs 
• New businesses or industry clusters need a skilled labor pool 
• Communities struggle with high unemployment 

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges administers the Job Skills Program with guidance from an advisory committee made up of representatives from business, labor and public and private educational institutions. A subcommittee meets to review, provide input, and recommend applications for the grants. Representatives of the Department of Commerce and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board also participate in the review process. 

The program awards grants to licensed educational institutions in Washington. JSP funds half of the training cost. Partner employers provide cash or in-kind match to fund the other half. Funds are awarded on a first-approved, rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. 

Impacts

Accra-Fab

“Accra-Fab has worked with the Community Colleges of Spokane on several JSPs throughout the years. Each JSP has been successful, but I believe this most recent JSP has had the most impact on our company. We met all but one of the goals on the Project Outcomes Report and the goal we missed was due to outside influences. The contractors that were used for the different trainings were top-notch and very talented in their skill sets. The emphasis on Problem-Solving solutions is now being used daily as part of our Daily Management System throughout the entire plant. Fantastic results!" - Barry Steward, Director of Human Resources

From 2019 through 2021, AccraFab was affected by Boeing 737 program issues and the COVID-19 aerospace slowdown. However, Accra-Fab recovered in 2022 and has entered a significant growth phase in 2023. The operation is currently at full capacity. To support workforce growth, Accra-Fab is investing in a training initiative for its frontline operational leaders, technicians, and key support staff. Accra-Fab seeks a hands-on program focused on Toyota Kata, Performance Chain, Tiny Habits, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, and AS9100 Internal Auditor training. Notable outcomes include:

• Completed 579 training hours for 66 employees.
• Hired two new employees; promoted 12.
• Improved overall plant efficiencies by 4%.
• Increased customer satisfaction by 11%.
• Reduced OSHA recordables by 70% due to better problem-solving skills.

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2025-2026

Important Dates

2025-26 Program Guidelines and Resources

The following documents provide detailed information about how grant funds can be used, who can apply, the application process and deadlines.

• 2025-26 JSP Program and Fiscal Guidelines
• 2025-26 JSP Assurances
• 2025-26 Trainee, Match, Course, and Outcomes Spreadsheet
• Applicant Webinar Recording
• Applicant Webinar Slides
• Application Questions and Answers

Final Grant Report

A final report summarizing the outcomes(s) for this grant is required of all JSP projects. Reports must be uploaded in OGMS to the "Attachments" section of each approved grant application. See the list of important dates for deadlines.

• 2025-26 Trainee, Match, Courses, and Final Report spreadsheet

Reports to Legislature

Job Skills Program reports are submitted by the State Board for Community and Technical colleges to the Washington State Legislature in fulfillment of RCW 28C.04.420 Job skills program — Grants — Reports.

• 2023-25 Job Skills progress report
• 2023-25 Job Skills biennial report

Reports from prior years are available upon request.