The City of Seattle announced it will invest more than $3.1 million in programs that recruit, train, and place workers from communities impacted by economic, racial, and environmental inequities into well-paying construction and clean energy careers.
The investments, provided through a joint initiative by the City’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) and the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), have the potential to prepare upwards of 200 workers annually for construction apprenticeships and clean energy careers through pre-apprenticeship training, job readiness programs, and comprehensive wraparound supports.
“For too long, the people who’ve done the most to build this city have been the last to share in its prosperity. That’s especially true for the communities hit hardest by the climate crisis, the same communities that have faced barriers to good jobs for generations. This investment changes that equation,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “It says climate action and economic opportunity aren’t separate goals — they’re complementary, and we can achieve both by investing directly in workers, in families, and in neighborhoods. This is what a Seattle that works for everyone looks like.”
The funding will be awarded to local organizations through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) that’s open now through Nov. 16. Selected organizations must prioritize the placement of workers historically underserved in construction careers, a designation the City of Seattle calls Priority Hire.
The City, led by FAS, administers a Priority Hire program that’s designed to connect individuals residing in economically distressed ZIP codes, women, and/or Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC), with career opportunities on City-funded construction projects. The program also establishes apprenticeship utilization requirements and participation goals for women and people of color.
Since its creation in 2013, the Priority Hire program has generated more than $139 million in wages for Priority Hire workers—an amount the City estimates is more than double what would have been earned without the program. Through Priority Hire, workers have access to pathways into 20 building trades, including ironwork, carpentry, cement masonry, and plumbing.
“Seattle’s Priority Hire program has shown what’s possible when we intentionally connect workers who have historically faced barriers to skilled, family-wage jobs in the trades,” said Kiersten Grove, director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services. “This investment builds on that success by providing the training and wraparound support workers need to enter these careers, advance, and build greater economic security for themselves, their families, and ultimately Seattle’s communities.”
The investment also advances Seattle’s efforts to build an inclusive clean energy workforce as the City works to reduce climate pollution from its two largest sources: transportation and buildings. OSE’s climate workforce strategy calls for expanding equitable pathways into the green economy and ensuring that BIPOC workers and women have access to living-wage careers as the City works to transition away from fossil fuels. FAS, which also oversees the City’s 4,000-vehicle fleet, has also set ambitious goals to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas fleet emission by 2050.
The RFP will expand access to emerging and high-demand career pathways, including heat pump installation, electrical upgrades, solar installation, building controls, weatherization and building performance auditing.
“Meeting our climate goals will take skilled hands,” said Lylianna Allala, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment. “With this $3.1 million investment, we are training the electricians, building operators, and clean energy technicians who will power Seattle’s transition away from fossil fuels. This funding opens careers to the people and neighborhoods that have carried the heaviest burden of pollution, so everyone benefits from the clean energy economy.”
Well-paying climate careers, investing in clean energy job training programs, and creating job opportunities that support local businesses will be priorities of Seattle’s upcoming Climate Action Plan. OSE is leading the development of the Climate Action Plan, which will serve as the City’s five-year plan to reduce pollution, prepare for the impacts of climate change, and build a healthier city for everyone to thrive.
Programs selected through the RFP will be required to provide supports designed to help workers not only enter the workforce but advance and remain in their careers. These may include mentorship, mental health support, certification and upskilling opportunities, career navigation, and assistance obtaining licenses, work gear and transportation.
To learn more, view the RFP here.