A Spokane-based workforce development nonprofit will use part of a $500,000 state grant to expand access to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training in transportation, infrastructure and other skilled trades in Benton and Franklin counties. 

Career Path Services received the grant through the state Department of Transportation’s Pre-Apprenticeship and Support Services program, according to a release. Grant winners were chosen based on their plans for outreach, assessments, training, credentialing and support services. 

The funds will allow the nonprofit to help about 60 people in Benton, Franklin and Spokane counties over the next two years. The effort is particularly focused on serving those from groups that have historically faced barriers to enter skilled trades professions, such as young adults leaving foster care or the juvenile rehabilitation system as well as homeless individuals.  

“Apprenticeship is one of the strongest paths to self-sufficiency,” said Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, in a statement. “For more than 50 years, our focus has been on connecting people to training and placement that lead to family-supporting jobs. This grant allows us to expand that work, ensuring equitable access to apprenticeship for people across our communities.”