Job Skills Program (JSP) Grant

43 Years of Impact

The Job Skills Program (JSP) – started in 1983 to enhance economic development through short-term customized training – is now 43 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. 

2026-27 Important Dates

2026-27 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.

• 2026-27 JSP Program and Fiscal Guidelines
• 2026-27 JSP Assurances
• Applicant Webinar Recording 
• Applicant Webinar Slide Presentation
• Questions & Answers - updated Apr. 23, 2026
• 2026-27 Trainee, Match, Courses, and Final Report spreadsheet

2025-2026 Important Dates

2025-26 Program Guidelines and Resources

• 2025-26 JSP Program and Fiscal Guidelines
• 2025-26 Trainee, Match, Courses, and Final Report spreadsheet (Updated Feb 2026) - 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.

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Impacts

SeaTac Packaging

"We’ve partnered with Impact Washington on several occasions and have consistently been impressed with their service. The Job Skills grant has significantly benefited our organization by equipping us with the tools to cross-train employees more effectively. It has helped us refine our approach to solving complex challenges, introducing practical strategies that have streamlined operations and boosted productivity. As a result, we are better positioned to manage growth and drive long-term success across the organization." - David Huang, President

SeaTac Packaging is a certified Women-Owned Minority Business through the Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council and is the only MBE manufacturer of multiwall and flexible packaging. This project trains employees to quantify manufacturing needs, design layouts for new and existing locations, and implement industry-standard continuous improvement methods. Training in Standard Work, Visual Management, 5S, Training Within Industry, and Total Productive Maintenance will support operational growth.

SeaTac Packaging completed evaluations by Impact Washington and Pierce County EDB, resulting in a detailed 5-year plan. With a JSP grant, SeaTac began laying the groundwork and is now well-positioned to further develop Lean manufacturing tools and systems in their new facility — critical steps toward achieving their five-year objectives.

Notable outcomes include:

• Completed 4,715 training hours for 106 employees.
• Hired five new employees.
• Promoted one employee to Lead role and one to Team Leader.
• Scrap or rework reduced from 4.5% to 3.5%.
• Inventory reduced from 160 days to 120.
• Increased sales from $7M per quarter to $8.2M.

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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.