College Honors Inaugural Graduates of Pre-Apprenticeship Trades Program

Oregon Coast Community College has graduated its first class of Pre-Apprenticeship for Construction Trades (PACT) students. This program, developed in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and Northwest Oregon Works, is designed to help fill the gap of skilled trades workers in Lincoln County.

The inaugural PACT cohort included twelve students, who received certificates of completion from the State of Oregon BOLI, Apprenticeship & Training Division, TradesFutures Apprenticeship Readiness Program (MC3), and a Non-Credit Training Certificate from OCCC.

“We are incredibly proud of our inaugural pre-apprenticeship graduates, who demonstrated tremendous dedication, determination, and growth,” said Apprenticeship Coordinator Craig Watkins-Brandt. “Their achievements mark a significant milestone not only in their personal journeys but also the evolution of OCCC’s educational landscape.”

Graduates celebrated on Friday, January 31 with family and friends, industry partners (Pacific Inside Electrical IBEW, Northwest Oregon Works, WorkSouce Oregon, O’Brien Construction and more), and community leaders including Representative David Gomberg and OCCC Board of Education member Chris Chandler.

Program curriculum included learning about different trades, completing certifications and trainings, solidifying math skills, and other activities to familiarize and prepare students for the trades industry. After graduation, participants will be pursuing careers in electrical, plumbing, sprinkler fitting, lineman, and others. 

The program, set to begin its second cohort in the fall, was made possible by the Future Ready Oregon Bill – a measure investing $200 million in trades education in rural communities. There was no cost for students to participate.

Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner Christina Stephenson visited the program in November to celebrate National Apprenticeship week. BOLI awarded the college a $299K grant in 2024 to address talent-development challenges while providing a pathway to high-wage, in-demand jobs for rural and coastal communities.

OCCC is committed to advancing trades education in Lincoln County through the PACT program and constructing an Oregon Coast Advanced Technology & Trades (OCATT) center, funded by a bond measure passed by voters in May 2024. The center will expand pre-apprenticeship training and programming for county residents, as well as offer a variety of certificates and degrees in the marine and technical fields while supporting Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Lincoln County. Site preparation is set to begin as early as summer 2025.

To learn more about the PACT program (or register for the waitlist for fall 2025), visit oregoncoast.edu/pact.