Workforce Development


HOURS

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM







ANNOUNCEMENTS

Culinary Arts students at work
Culinary Arts students at work

2008 WAVE Scholarship APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE:

The Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) program, now in its 24th year, recognizes students for outstanding achievement in career and technical education, and for their character and commitment to provide leadership and service to their schools and communities.

Applications must be submitted to the school's vocational administrator or WAVE coordinator by February 15, 2008.  All applications must be forwarded to the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and postmarked no later than February 29, 2008. No late applications will be accepted.  Award winners will be notified and posted on the Internet on April 11, 2008.  WAVE winners will be recognized at events planned by legislative district coordinators in May-June 2008.

If you have questions about the WAVE award or the application, please contact Jane Blackman at Olympic College Bremerton, (360) 475-7842 or jblackman@oc.ctc.edu.

 


Mission Statement

Strengthening our community by linking education and employment to create a skilled workforce.

To accomplish our mission we will:

  • Secure resources for the development and enhancement of learning;
  • Research, develop and promote group programs based on
    community need;
  • Provide seamless transitions into learning environments based on
    individual needs;
  • Foster open communication, trust and supportive relationships; 
  • Exchange information, ideas and services;
  • Celebrate accomplishments.

 


General Contact Information


OC Bremerton

  • Cindy Wyman
    Director of Program Development & Outreach
    Olympic College
    1600 Chester Ave.
    Bremerton, WA 98337
    360-475-7849
    cwyman@olympic.edu


OC Shelton

  • Rose Ferri
    Educational Adviser for Worker Retraining/WorkFirst
    W 937 Alpine Way
    Shelton, WA 98584
    360-432-5423
    rferri@olympic.edu

  
 


Programs

The Workforce Development Department at Olympic College offers a wide variety of services to diverse populations. The following specific programs are offered:



Worker Retraining

Worker Retraining provides Professional-Technical career and academic planning, financial aid, and other services to qualified individuals who have received or been eligible to receive Washington State unemployment insurance benefits within the last 24 months. Displaced homemakers and self-employed individuals may also qualify for funding through this program.

Contact: 

  • Miste Damrill-Leib
    Educational Advisor for Worker Retraining
    360-475-7230
  • Rose Ferri
    Educational Advisor for Worker Retraining/WorkFirst, OC Shelton
    360-432-5423
  • Teresa McDermott
    Director for Co-op Education/Internship & Worker Retraining
    360-475-7480


WorkFirst

provides tuition assistance to qualified individuals. The program provides financial aid for wage and skill progression training. This assistance can be applied to any one of more than twenty professional/technical programs offered at Olympic College or to customized job skills training. WorkFirst Work Study and adult basic skills are other potential options.

Contact:
  • Cathy Stinson
    WorkFirst Educational Advisor
    360-475-7230 
  • Rose Ferri
    Educational Advisor for Worker Retraining/WorkFirst, OC Shelton
    360-432-5423 
  • Jim Friedman
    Director of WorkFirst
    360-475-7847


Professional Technical Programs

Many courses of study are available. Do you need more focused skills to change careers or advance in your career? Contact:

  • Pat Lyons
    Advisor for Professional-Technical Programs
    360-475-7230 
  • Rose Ferri
    Educational Advisor for Worker Retraining/WorkFirst, OC Shelton
    360-432-5423 


Tech Prep

Tech Prep is a program which links high school professional/technical courses with the community college. The goal is to map a seamless path for students interested in professional/technical areas of study. Money and time are saved for eligible students! Contact:

  • Charlene Nelson
    West Sound Tech Prep Director
    360-475-7839
  • Mary Pitzer
    Tech Prep Program Assistant
    360-475-7353


Adult Education

This program offers services focused on the adult learner. These services include:

  • Adult Basic Education (ABE)
  • GED preparation
  • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

In Bremerton, the Adult Education Office is located on the Olympic College campus in the Health Occupations Building, 1600 Chester Avenue, Bremerton. In Shelton, Adult Education is provided on the Olympic College Shelton campus at W 937 Alpine Way, Shelton. Contact:

  • Tina Prentiss
    Adult Education Faculty
    360-475-7538
  • Irene Fjaerestad
    ESOL Faculty
    360-475-7388
  • Gary Thomasson
    Adult Education Faculty, Shelton
    360-432-5435
  • Elaine Williams-Bryant
    Director of Adult Education
    360-475-7528
  • Donna Pedersen
    Program Coordinator, OC Shelton
    360-475-5400


Cooperative Education and Internship Program

This is a work-based learning program in which students earn college credit for their work experience by setting and attaining specific learning objectives.  If you want to learn more about enrolling or if you'd like to hire a cooperative education or intern student, please contact:

  • Teresa McDermott
    Director for Co-op Education/Internship and Worker Retraining
    360-475-7480
  • Kelly Copp
    Workforce Development Coordinator, OC Shelton
    360-432-5431