Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland visited BIAW’s Construction Trades Training Academy Monday to learn more about the academy and how it helps people in her district learn valuable skills to support their future.

Strickland toured the academy and learned more about operations then met with students in the third cohort of the CTTA who were learning how to put a roof on a small shed.

In a question-and-answer session, Strickland asked them to share their stories and offered encouragement for the future.

Ask for help

“Everyone involved in this program wants you to be successful,” she said. “What I often say is that it’s okay to ask for help but it’s up to you to ask.”

The former Mayor of Tacoma and a graduate of Mount Tahoma High School, Strickland shared how many of her high school classmates chose not to go to college, but instead built successful careers without a degree.

Funding workforce development critical

That’s why workforce development is one of her priorities in Congress, she said.

“I’m trying very hard to make sure we’re funding workforce development,” Strickland said. “I know those wraparound services, like help with child care or transportation, help people be able to stay in programs like these. So anything you can think of, be sure to let us know.”

She concluded by congratulating them on their upcoming graduation on Aug. 29.

About the CTTA

Funded by BIAW’s Washington Home Builders Foundation, Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region and the City of Tacoma with support from the Master Builders of Pierce County Building Opportunities for Learning the Trades (BOLT) and the Home Builders Institute, the CTTA offers a free eight-week training course to eligible students.

Students receive the information, hands-on experience and essentials skills to land jobs in the residential home building industry and othe trades. Each cohort ends with a job fair with local builders, unions and other employers.

Learn more about enrollment and how to support the academy’s efforts.

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