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

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Impacts

Pacific Northwest Traffic Control

"Lean Revisions and the training we went through taught us a lot about our company and our people. When we gathered in both our small groups and our larger groups, we realized what a creative bunch of people we have in our employ. We now think of challenges in a different way. Rather than going with our gut response, we pause for a moment to ask the question, how can I make this work? And the people we thought were the annoying ones are the ones that helped us more and still do. Through our training with Lean Revisions and Six Sigma, we gained invaluable tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency. We not only developed optimized processes but also deepened our understanding of one another's strengths and weaknesses. What we learned, we use every day, not only at work, but also in our personal lives as well. Thank you from all of us at Pacific Northwest Traffic Control!" - Keonne Padilla, CEO

The company has grown over the last decade using an informal, reactive approach led by a few key individuals. This method limits efficiency and learning, restricting future growth. This project aims to train employees in Lean skills for ASQ or ISAAC Green Belt certification, supporting expansion beyond Puget Sound and Central Washington. The 28 staff members will gain practical Lean expertise to improve project management and address current operational challenges. The training will feature classroom lectures and project-based learning on the job in the area of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, as well as Lean Leadership training to help managers with leadership engagement, team assessment, and resource allocation

Notable outcomes include:

• Completed 1,952 training hours for 28 employees.
• Hired 14 new employees.
• Increased retention rate from 70% to 80%.

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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.