Job Skills Program

The Job Skills Program (JSP) is a workforce training grant initiative administered by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). Established in 1983, the program was designed to enhance economic development by supporting customized, short-term, and job-specific training aligned with employer needs. Over time, the program has expanded significantly, serving tens of thousands of employees across Washington State. JSP operates as a partnership-driven model that connects educational institutions with private sector employers to address workforce skill gaps, prevent layoffs, and support business growth. The program is grounded in state legislation and reflects a policy commitment to strengthening employment opportunities and fostering collaboration between education and industry. The primary purpose of JSP is to fund training projects that improve workforce readiness and competitiveness. Eligible projects must align with at least one of several objectives, including preparing workers for new business operations, retraining employees to prevent displacement, upgrading worker skills to support advancement, or addressing regional labor shortages. Additional emphasis is placed on serving communities with high unemployment or economic disadvantage and supporting industry cluster development. Training is intended to be short-term, targeted, and directly tied to job outcomes, with participants required to be employees working in Washington State. Funding is structured as a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, meaning that JSP funds cover up to half of the total project cost, while participating employers must provide the remaining portion through cash or in-kind contributions. Exceptions exist for small businesses with low annual revenue, but all projects must demonstrate documented matching contributions. Allowable costs include instructional expenses, curriculum development, project administration, and necessary goods and services. However, certain costs such as capital equipment purchases, indirect costs, and routine safety training are prohibited. Funds are reimbursed based on actual expenditures, and strict documentation and audit requirements apply. Eligibility for JSP funding is limited to licensed educational institutions in Washington State that partner with eligible business entities. Educational institutions may include public or private colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, and private career schools. Business partners must be engaged in commerce within the state and can include for-profit companies, certain nonprofit organizations generating revenue, and licensed hospitals. Government agencies are generally not eligible as business partners. Each project must be supported by a formal agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial commitments between the institution and employer. The application process is conducted through the Online Grant Management System (OGMS). Applicants must submit required documentation, including training plans, budget details, and assurances. Applications are reviewed for completeness and then evaluated by a subcommittee of the Workforce Training Customer Advisory Committee. Evaluation criteria focus on alignment with program goals, quality of the proposal, and responsiveness to requirements. Projects are scored using a standardized scale and recommended for funding based on overall merit. Final approval is granted by SBCTC leadership, and applicants are notified through the system. For the 2026–2027 funding cycle, applications open on March 26, 2026, with a primary deadline for Round 1 submissions on April 30, 2026. Approved projects may begin as early as July 1, 2026, and must be completed within the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Final reporting and invoicing deadlines occur in July 2027. The program operates on a rolling, first-approved basis throughout the fiscal year as funds remain available. Key contacts for the program include administrative and policy staff at SBCTC, who provide guidance on application, fiscal, and reporting requirements. Overall, the Job Skills Program represents a structured and performance-driven investment in workforce development. By requiring employer partnership and cost-sharing, the program ensures that training initiatives are closely aligned with real-world business needs. Its emphasis on accountability, measurable outcomes, and collaboration makes it a central component of Washington State’s strategy to strengthen its labor force and support economic growth.

Ensure strong alignment with workforce needs and program priorities; demonstrate clear employer partnership and high quality match contributions; prioritize industry credentials and measurable outcomes