How the Eastside Training Center started
The Eastside Training Center, located at East 60th and McKinley Avenue in Tacoma, aligns with our institutional goals to increase educational access to communities that have not traditionally been well served by higher education. By working with partners like WorkForce Central and the City of Tacoma, the Eastside Training Center opened in January 2025. It blends the same high-quality skills training offered at CPTC’s Lakewood and South Hill campuses with WorkForce Central services designed to bridge the gap between job seekers, employers, and community organizations. The Eastside Training Center will respond to the unique needs and desires of the Eastside community and evolve over time.
Community partners
We strive to establish authentic partnerships with community stakeholders who have a vested interest in the transformation and prosperity of the Eastside Community. Founding partners are WorkForce Central and the City of Tacoma. Additional support is provided by Palmer Scholars, ANEW, and Emerald Cities Collaborative.
What is offered
The Eastside Training Center's program offerings will grow and change over time.
| Quarter | First day of class | Programs | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March 31, 2025 | HVAC, Low Voltage | March 28, 2025 |
| Summer | July 1, 2025 | HVAC, Low Voltage, Construction Technology, Residential Electrician, Residential Plumber | June 27, 2025 |
| Fall | September 29, 2025 | HVAC, Low Voltage, Construction Technology, Residential Electrician, Residential Plumber | September 24, 2025 |
Who can take classes & what it costs
The programs offered at the Eastside Training Center, like classes at our Lakewood and South Hill Campus, are open to everyone, including Running Start, and CPTC’s Northwest Career & Technical High School students.
Northwest Career & Technical High School students attend tuition-free. The cost of all course fees and most academic and program books is also covered. For the Eastside Training Center programs, Northwest Career & Technical High School provides communal tools and/or toolkits for students to borrow during their time with us. Students are, however, encouraged to think about how they can acquire the minimum number of tools necessary to enter the workforce once they graduate from the program.
Running Start tuition is typically free for high school students, but there is a cap to the amount of free tuition. Running Start students pay normal CPTC fees for books, tools, laboratory fees, consumables, and transportation. If you qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (or meet other income requirements) many of these costs could be waived.
If you are not receiving financial aid, contact the Outreach & Entry Services team to determine whether the CPTC location in Eastside Tacoma will work for you.
Interested? How to learn more
High school students
If you are between the ages of 15-21, have not yet attained a high school diploma, and are interested in learning more about the Eastside Training Center and how it might be a fit for you, please complete the following form: Enrollment Inquiry Form. Be sure to watch for follow-up emails with next steps. You are also welcome to email or call Amy Robertson-Bullen, Associate Director of Northwest Career & Technical High School, at amy.robertson-bullen@cptc.edu / 253-589-5770 to schedule a time to discuss program fit and details.
College students
Follow the steps outlined on our How to Apply to CPTC page and be sure to let our Entry Services coordinator know that you are interested in the Eastside Training Center location.
Community stakeholders
CPTC is always open to establishing new industry, socio-cultural, and community partnerships. If you are interested in discussing Eastside Training Center partnership opportunities, please reach out to Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation, and Apprenticeship, at lester.burkes@cptc.edu / 253-589-5771.
