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

Portco Packaging Co.

"The JSP programs offer our employees great opportunities to gain skills and thrive in the organization. I can't say enough good things about the JSP program. The quality of trainers and subject matter is on par or better than most other training organizations."  
- Ben Smith, Plant Manager/Continuous Improvement Leader

Portco’s vision of growth through increased revenue while providing a workplace where its employees thrive is dependent on its ability to effectively train and support employees. This project was not completed as planned and the final numbers reflect that fact. The remaining trainings which were planned for fiscal year 2024 will be conducted during fiscal year 2025. 

Notable outcomes include:

• Completed 1,240 training hours for 23 employees.
• Hired 18 new employees.
• Reduced defect material returns/credits from $292,000 to $66,062.
• Improved on-time delivery from 85% to 91%.

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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.