Marano Fellows Class of 2012
Name: Shana Peschek
Title:

Director

Organization:

Construction Center of Excellence

Location: Renton, WA
Industry Sector: Construction
Type of Organization:
 

Organizational Background & Mission: In 2009, Washington became the first and only state in the nation to codify Centers of Excellence into state statute (HB1323). Washington is recognized nationally for creating the Center model as a sector strategy to serve as an economic development driver for industries that help the state’s economy grow. Our vision is to become a national model in developing partnerships among business, industry and education for the purpose of enhancing economic and workforce development initiatives to meet the current and future needs of the industries critical to the state's economic vitality.

Interest in Sector Work: The primary charge of the Construction Center of Excellence is to help the state’s economic vitality grow by:

  • Serving as a point-of-contact and resource hub for industry trends, best practices, innovative curriculum, and professional development opportunities
  • Maximizing resources by bringing together workforce education and industry partners in order to develop highly-skilled workforce

There are a number of innovative ways the CCE fulfills its designation:

  • Showcases innovative education offerings at educational institutions
  • Promotes career pathways within construction, particularly for young people and individuals from under-represented groups
  • Advocates construction education and career guidance initiatives and policy development
  • Develops products, services and courses specific to construction education
  • Hosts annual conferences for industry, labor and education, as well as events for students