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, Apr. 3, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Applicant Webinar Recording - will be provided after the webinar
• Applicant Webinar Slide Presentation - will be provided after the webinar
• Questions & Answers - will be provided after the webinar
• 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.

---

Impacts

Trident Seafoods

"In 2023, Trident Seafoods established a global Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness department, recognizing the crucial need for training in essential soft skills for our employees. With a relatively new team, the JSP Job Skills grant accelerated our ability to deliver value swiftly. Over the grant cycle, we provided training to over 1,100 students, earning an impressive course rating of 4.8 out of 5. The impact was remarkable: employees gained confidence, felt invested in their development, and contributed to our culture of respect and accountability. Equally significant, our partnership with Seattle Colleges proved wise due to their excellent instructors, customizable courses, on-site availability, and proven cost savings. We look forward to our continued partnership together."  
- Dr. Meisha Rouser, Director of Global Leadership Development & Organizational Effectiveness

As the company is rebounding from the COVID-19 era, it recently mandated more time back in the offices. Many employees were reluctant to return, and the company's internal training and development team worked with management to identify improved, highly transferable communication skills and investment in employees as a focal point during the “return to office” initiative. Demonstrating investment in employees helped retention, which will be measured by employee engagement surveys that were started during COVID-19 and through reduction in turnover. The recent creation of the Training and Development Department within Trident is part of the company’s strategic plan to invest in employees, build back the family culture, and establish pathways toward career growth. 

Notable outcomes include:

• Completed 7,112 training hours for 334 employees.
• 43 employees promoted; hired 57 new employees.
• Reduced staff turnover from 18.2% to 12.9%.
• Developed six courses with Facilitator Guide, Participant Guide, PowerPoint presentation, and handouts.

---

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.