For the Reporter
Gov. Jay Inslee visited Kent’s Hexcel Aerospace plant on Friday afternoon to discuss how various state workforce initiatives are helping people find work and employers find new talent.
The discussion focused primarily on Work Start, a training program designed to provide new and existing employers with customized workforce training that supports Washington’s business recruitment and expansion efforts.
Inslee approved Work Start funding to train 150 new employees at Hexcel’s composite manufacturing facility in Kent, allowing the company to grow from 450 to 600 employees. Inslee toured Hexcel’s facilities and listened to stories of individual workers who have gone through the program.
Joining Inslee for the tour were representatives from the Washington State Employment Security Department, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County, Workforce Development Council of Seattle, Green River Community College, and the governor’s Office of Aerospace.
Local dignitaries who also toured with the governor included Mayor Suzette Cooke, state Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Kent) and state Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac).
Hexcel Corporation is a leading advanced composites company. They develop, manufacture and market lightweight, high performance composites for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, wind energy and industrial applications.
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