Delivering the TDL Workforce

The “Delivering the TDL Workforce” Initiative is a consortium of educators, service providers, funders, and employers from the greater Puget Sound region in Washington State, working together to scale access to middle skill jobs in transportation distribution logistics (TDL). Our partnership is focusing on strengthening and expanding TDL training programs, aligning these programs with employer needs and standards, sustaining robust cross-sector partnerships, and connecting more women to TDL opportunities. By working together to build a skilled TDL workforce, we will help create a stronger economy with greater opportunities for families, employers, and communities throughout the Puget Sound.

SkillUp Washington is leading the coordination of several local TDL training programs to meet the high workforce demand in numerous occupations at the Port of Seattle, including the Sea-Tac airport, and throughout the region in heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving. SkillUp, the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management at Highline College, and the Seattle Jobs Initiative are conducting labor market research and convening employers to ensure that programs target in-demand occupations and skills and to build those training and job placement systems.

Port Jobs’ Airport University program at the Airport Jobs Center offers participants a variety of credit-bearing, short-term training programs that are aligned with career pathways and lead toward a Global Trade and Logistics certificate or a Homeland Security certificate. South Seattle College, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, delivers an Industrial Vehicle program for trucking occupations.