About Building Skills

The Building Skills conference is held every 18-24 months in the state of Washington. This widely attended multi-day staff training event is specifically designed by and for frontline and supervisory staff working in the field of workforce development. The Building Skills Conference planning committee is made up of diverse agency representatives who can specifically speak to the staff training and skill-building needs to be addressed at this training event. On behalf of the committee, the Center for Learning Connections acting as the conference coordinating office surveys staff across the state. Survey results identify training needs and assist the committee in shaping the keynote address topics as well as the numerous break-out session topics and strands. Additionally, the committee reviews the past year's participant evaluation results. The composition of the committee, the survey results, the evaluation responses, and current state and federal trends assist the committee in determining content for the upcoming conference.

Conferences draw participants from a wide variety of sectors (state agencies, K-12 education, non-profit organization, educational entities, as well as local programs). Sessions are designed to impart new skills, strategies, and knowledge useful in the workforce development arena. Frequently the conference attracts the attention of other states. This conference is funded by participant fees and supported by the Washington State Employment Security Department, Employment and Training.

For more information about the Building Skills, please contact the coordinator, Julie Jacob at 206.870.3784 jjacob@highline.edu.