Educated Workforce
K-12
89.3%
Nat. Av. 84.5%
HIGHER ED.
#10
Bachelors or Higher
ENGINEERS
6,550
in Aerospace
FORBES.COM
#2
Best for Business


 

With two research universities, a large number of public and private four-year institutions, strong and active workforce programs and 34 community and technical colleges, Washington companies enjoy access to a highly educated workforce.

Washington attracts a talented, educated, skilled and creative workforce that is valuable to businesses.

 
Quick Facts
  • Washington ranks 10th among all states for adults (25 and older) with a bachelors degree or more according to the United States Census Bureau.
  • More than 89% of Washington adults have at least 12 years of education, which is well above the national average of 84.5% according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
  • Washington has more than 6,500 aerospace engineers, the 2nd highest concentration in the U.S.; and is ranked third in the U.S. for tech-sector job growth, leading the country in software publisher employment.
  • In 2009, Forbes.com ranked Washington the 2nd best state for business. We ranked 2nd in the labor rank category - which reflects the quality of Washington schools and training programs, as well as the fact that Washington is a desirable place to live and work.
 
Workforce Training Programs

Washington has many state sponsored workforce training programs such as:

  • Centers of Excellence - each center focuses on a targeted industry that drives the state's economy and leads collaborative and coordinated statewide education and training efforts.
  • WorkSource Centers - provide one-stop hiring and training assistance to businesses and job-seekers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010 Copyrighted Material: Business Services, Washington State Department of Commerce
2001 6th Ave Suite 2600, Seattle WA 98121 (206) 256-6100