Advanced Manufacturing Week at EvCC April 23-25

Press Release

Date: April 23, 2024

Contacts: Kelsey Nyland, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers' Office, Kelsey.Nyland@snoco.org, 425-407-3071
Herman Calzadillas, Everett Community College Dean of Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center, hcalzadillas@everettcc.edu, 425-267-0165

Snohomish County Supported Program Will Connect a Projected 600 High School Students to Local High-Wage, High-Demand Careers

Snohomish County, Wash. – Executive Dave Somers today announced that Advanced Manufacturing Week is taking place at Everett Community College (EvCC) from Tuesday, April 23, through Thursday, April 25. The program will help a projected 600 high school students – including a significant majority from more rural areas – learn more about local high-wage, high-demand careers in various advanced manufacturing fields, including welding, precision machining, composites, engineer tech design, and mechatronics.
 
In 2023, Snohomish County awarded Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) and Snohomish STEM with $1.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to bring expanded youth career exploration programming to the entire county by way of broad partnerships in K-12, higher education, and career connected learning organizations. Advanced Manufacturing Week is one of these County-supported projects. EASC and Snohomish STEM have used County ARPA funds to help 8,465 youth learn more about careers in STEM and health care.
 
“Snohomish County is committed to connecting local young people with high-paying, rewarding, and sustainable local jobs as we continue to build a gold-standard workforce and grow our economy,” said Executive Somers. “Advanced Manufacturing Week is a great opportunity for Snohomish County students to learn more about and get hands-on experience in these in-demand sectors. I’m grateful to our partners at Everett Community College and Snohomish STEM for their commitment to bringing engaging and innovative career programming to directly to our youth.”
 
Advanced Manufacturing Week is offered to local K-12 schools. Each student is provided with the following:

• An in-depth presentation from each of the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center (AMTEC) departments at Everett Community College as well as a waterjet demonstration;
• An employer will demonstrate how the skills they learn can be applied toward jobs in the employer’s industry;
• All students will assemble a take-home project; and
• Students are provided lunch and transportation to address barriers to access.

"In the next six years, 43 percent of high-demand jobs in Snohomish County will be STEM literacy-based and will require postsecondary training or a degree," says Alyssa Jackson, Snohomish STEM Network Director. "Advanced Manufacturing Week showcases STEM career options and training programs to invest in future workforce and ensure our economy is set up for success."
 
"Through a collaborative effort with EASC and Snohomish STEM, EvCC is thrilled to present this annual gathering, uniting high school students from across the region to explore the world of manufacturing careers and training," said Lisa Fritch, Career and Retention Coach for EvCC. "Thanks to this funding, we're extending our reach to rural schools, empowering students who may lack the resources to participate otherwise. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, attendees often return to Advanced Manufacturing Training Education Center (AMTEC), driven to pursue certificates or degrees in these dynamic career paths."  
 
Anyone interested can learn more about AMTEC at Everett Community College here. More information on Snohomish STEM is available on their website.
 
Executive Somers established the Office of Recovery and Resilience to guide the County’s recovery work by ensuring federal pandemic relief is administered quickly, effectively, and equitably. Information on the County’s recovery work can be found at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/recovery.

About Economic Alliance Snohomish County

As the largest regional economic development organization in Snohomish County, and county-wide chamber of commerce, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) supports a globally competitive regional economy in which all businesses can thrive and participate equally.

About Snohomish STEM Network

The Snohomish STEM Network, established in 2013, collaborates with partners to prepare students for high-demand careers in Snohomish County. Through cross-sector partnerships, we promote equitable access to career-connected learning opportunities. Our work focuses on developing talent and fostering education pathways for future workforce success. We also serve as Co-Director for the Career Connect NW Regional Network, enhancing collaboration across multiple counties.