Clover Park Technical College welcomes community to Eastside Training Center

By Jean Borst

On August 13, Clover Park Technical College’s Eastside Training Center opened its doors to the community with its first Student Success Open House. More than 100 guests came out to explore programs, services and opportunities available at the new facility, located at 6002 E. McKinley Ave. in Tacoma.

The event was a meaningful milestone in an innovative program created to bridge a gulf between the historically underserved Eastside community and career and workforce training. The Center brings CPTC’s services directly to the neighborhood, providing the same curriculum, instruction and equipment offered at the college’s Lakewood campus.

A hands-on introduction

The open house did more than showcase the building. It connected people with the resources and support they need to start their path in the trades.

“We wanted this to be intentional,” said Brandon Dawley, CPTC Director of Outreach and Entry Services. “Not just an open house to look around, but an event that was really wrapped in student services and designed to meet people where they are.”

Attendees toured the facility, joined workshops on admissions, enrollment, financial aid and Workforce Development funding, and also took part in hands-on demonstrations led by CPTC faculty. The event highlighted programs currently offered at the Eastside location, including:

• Heating & Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician (HVAC)
• Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
• Construction Technology
• Residential Electrician
• Residential Plumbing

One-on-one counseling was also available throughout the four-hour open house to help prospective students navigate next steps and answer common questions about funding and FAFSA. And to help attendees feel at home, Student Success staff provided dinner as guests headed out the door.

Planning for success

According to Dawley, the idea for the open house grew out of CPTC’s Enrollment Task Force and developed into a college-wide collaboration. Planning took about three months and brought together staff from across departments, including Student Success, Outreach, Workforce Development, Enrollment Services and more.

“It was very well thought out and planned,” Dawley said. “Everyone who had a stake in this event had a voice, and that’s the reason it was so successful.”

In all, more than 20 Student Success staff, 7 faculty members and even a few students pitched in to ensure the evening ran smoothly.

Strong first step

The open house drew a diverse crowd of prospective students – including Running Start participants – as well as curious community members and others eager to learn more.

“People came in with questions, but they were able to leave with information about other services, too,” said Ericka Lynch, Student Diversity Outreach Manager. “It was lovely to watch how fluid the event was. We were able to move students to where they would be served best.”

For many, the event was their first visit to the building, marking an important step for a center that has so far had limited foot traffic. Currently staffed only on Friday mornings, the Eastside Training Center will soon have permanent staff housed on-site, making programs and services more accessible to the community.

Celebrating what’s to come

For Dawley, the open house was more than just a successful event – it was the beginning of a larger vision for the Eastside Training Center. One that will develop slowly and intentionally to best meet the needs and desires of the community it serves.

“This project is a big deal,” he said. “I grew up in the Eastside community and I know firsthand there hasn’t been a lot of access to education or clear pathways after high school. The Eastside Training Center has the potential to change that – helping people learn a trade, build a career and earn a livable wage. The open house felt like a celebration of that beginning.”

The college plans to continue building momentum with future events, including a community BBQ on Sept. 24, hosted in partnership with WorkForce Central and other community organizations.

Ready to learn more?

The Eastside Training Center is here to meet the unique needs of the Eastside community with programs that lead to in-demand, living-wage careers. Fall quarter applications are being accepted, with classes beginning Sept. 29. Click here to learn more.