The LeMay Car Museum, Cheney Stadium renovation, The Greater Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma Link Light Rail, Center for Urban Waters, Small Business Incubator campus, Tacoma Power Hydroelectric Projects, Tacoma Water Green River Headworks Projects, Point Ruston, and a host of other public works and private development projects have helped transform Tacoma into a thriving metropolis.
The recession and the aging labor force have prompted the need for skilled apprentices and journey level craft workers to work on City of Tacoma construction projects.
Providing Residents Opportunities for Apprenticeship Programs
The Local Employment and Apprenticeship Training Program (LEAP) provides city of Tacoma residents opportunities to access apprenticeship programs through its partnerships with local work force development providers. You can visit the events and resources web page for a list of those partners.
LEAP’s success depends upon the consistent involvement of the trade community. The coordinator works closely with contractors and contractor associations, labor, community-based organizations, citizens, educational institutions, public agencies and City staff to help achieve LEAP's mission.
The trade community also serves a valuable oversight role. The LEAP Advisory Committee (LAC) keeps the program on track with ongoing evaluation and performance monitoring. LAC members include representatives from labor, non-union contractors, Associated General Contractors, community-based organizations, community and technical colleges, Tacoma School District, Youth Building Tacoma, Pierce County and City of Tacoma.
Ultimately, LEAP is accountable to Tacoma’s residents. A biennial report sent to the City Manager, Director of Public Utilities, City Council and Public Utility Board reports on the program’s progress.