PACT, a public-private partnership, helps prepare people to enter union apprenticeships in the construction trades.

Blueprint reading, construction safety, trades math, flagger certification and beginning carpentry are a few of the foundation skills covered by the two-quarter program at Seattle Vocational Institute. In addition, the program offers soft skills, including work ethic, punctuality, perseverance, and positive attitude.

Support for students includes the costs of tuition, books, student tools and work clothes.

Students are paired with staff who work with them to overcome barriers to success, both in and out of class. At the end of the program, PACT helps to place students in union apprenticeships.

Partners

The WDC administers the program, whose budget of $50,000 comes from the King County Harborview Bond. The other partners are:

• Seattle Vocational Institute
• Turner Construction
• King County
• Seattle-King County Building & Construction Trades Council

To Take Part in PACT

Anyone 18 or older can take part in PACT. Past incarceration, substance abuse, lack of high-school diploma or GED, or suspended driver's license are not barriers to enrollment.

The PACT program hosts orientations every Friday at 11 a.m. in room 102 at Seattle Vocational Institute for prospective students. For more information, visit SVI's PACT program page or call program coordinator Bob Markholt at (206) 587-4974.