Gluesenkamp Perez Meets With Students and Educators Focused on the Next Generation of Trades Workforce 

VANCOUVER, WA – Recently, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) made stops across Clark County, meeting with students and educators from Hudson’s Bay High School and visiting an apprenticeship training center in Battle Ground. 

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits Hudson’s Bay High School Construction class. 

For her first stop of the day, the Congresswoman visited with students from across the Vancouver School District at the new Construction Trades choice program at Hudson’s Bay High School. This program offers coursework in framing, plumbing, foundations, basic electrical, and leads to capstone projects incorporating all these skills. This program is an Apprenticeship Preparation program and is aligned with local Apprenticeship training programs. 

“I am a big believer in the power of trades education as a lasting way to create good opportunities for young men and women. It’s inspiring to see the great work happening at Hudson’s Bay High School and to learn of the ways students are working on bright futures in construction, engineering, architecture and other careers. These sharp young students are going to be the future of our workforce. I was pleased to roll up my sleeves and support these programs,” said Gluesenkamp Perez.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez visits the Northwest Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s Battle Ground Training Center

Later the same day, the Congresswoman visited the Northwest Line Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s (JATC) Battle Ground Training Center. NW Line JATC has been in operation across the region for nearly 70 years. The nonprofit trains workers for the outside electrical industry, opening the door to secure jobs that serve their communities.

“When natural disasters hit, our linemen and arborists are some of our first responders– they work around the clock to keep the lights on for our communities. The work they do is back breaking and essential. The great work done at NW Line JATC is an investment in our future and I’m pleased to work alongside Terry Lowen and others at NW Line JATC to make sure the next generation of linemen and arborists are ready to take up the mantle,” Gluesenkamp Perez said.

Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the bipartisan Fairness for the Trades Act. The legislation will expand the eligible uses of 529 education savings plans to include the tools necessary for technical careers. She has also introduced the Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act to encourage more young people to pursue paths in the skilled trades and understand the financial obligations of a four-year degree. 

On the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez fought hard to pass amendments to extend shop classes to 6th graders and make AP credits available for career and technical education (CTE) classes. Both amendments were signed into law in FY2026 spending bills. 

The Congresswoman has supported full funding for Perkins grants that support state CTE programs.

###