About the Center
In 2009, Washington became the first and only state in the nation to codify Centers of Excellence into state statute (HB1323). Washington is recognized nationally for creating the Center Model as a sector strategy to serve as an economic development driver for industries that help the state’s economy grow. Twelve Centers across the state represent the Washington Community and Technical College system partnering with business, industry, and labor to build a competitive workforce for Washington state. Hosted at Renton Technical College, the Construction Center of Excellence serves all the Community and Technical colleges in the state that have construction programs.
Mission
Washington’s Centers of Excellence serve as the statewide liaisons to business, industry, labor, and the state’s educational systems for the purpose of creating a highly skilled and readily available workforce critical to the success of the industries driving the state’s economy and supporting Washington families.
Core Expectations
Economic Development
Serve as partners with various state and local agencies, regional, national, and global organizations to support economic vitality and competitiveness in Washington’s driver industries
Industry Sector Strategy
Collaboratively build, expand and leverage industry, labor and community and technical college partnerships to support and promote responsive, rigorous, and relevant workforce education and training.
Education, Innovation & Efficiency
Leverage resources and educational partnerships to create efficiencies and support development of curriculum and innovative delivery of educational strategies to build a diverse and competitive workforce.
Workforce Supply/Demand
Research, analyze and disseminate information related to training capacity, skill gaps, trends, and best practices within each industry sector to support a viable new and incumbent workforce.
Staff
Christina Rupp, Director
As the Director for the Washington State Construction Center of Excellence, Christina leads efforts in workforce development, establishing vital partnerships, and enhancing the construction industry's educational frameworks. Her role emphasizes innovation, strategic visioning, and robust stakeholder engagement, showcasing her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive significant outcomes.
Prior to her current role, Christina made significant upstart contributions as the Director of Postsecondary Pathways for Palmer Scholars. In this capacity, she designed and implemented the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council-recognized Palmer Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship, with an innovative model of support and participation options for historically marginalized and underserved communities in Pierce County. Her career path also includes impactful positions such as an Instructional Designer for the State of Washington through the Employment Security Department Headquarters where she redesigned the Job Hunter Workshop Series, Director of Homeowner Services for Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, project initiatives at the Pierce County WDC (WorkForce Central), and domestic violence survivor advocacy, crisis response, employment and education counseling, for the YWCA of Pierce County.
Christina's journey to academic and professional success was inspired by her father, a dedicated 52-year IAM conventional machinist, whose own career enabled her to break new ground as the first person in her family to attend and graduate from a four-year university, achieving this milestone at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Christina is passionately committed to fostering access, inclusion, equity, justice, and diversity in the trades, aiming to enhance the quality of life of families across the state for future generations. Her work reflects a deep dedication to creating pathways and removing barriers in sectors where they are most needed. Christina's career is marked by her ability to foster cross-organizational collaboration, develop and implement comprehensive programs, and advocate for social justice and equity. Her contributions to adult education, workforce development, and community outreach reflect her commitment to creating impactful, sustainable change.
Lin Carleton, Marketing Assistant
From Barbie dolls to Pampers, then on to apprenticeship and construction, Lin Carleton has brought a wealth of knowledge in event planning, management, and marketing-communications to the Construction Center of Excellence since 2014.
Lin began her management career at Mattel Toys as the Pacific Northwest Merchandising Manager and later moved on to innovative targeted media working with Procter & Gamble as the West Regional Manager. After moving back to the Seattle area, she was involved in merchandising and sales for Unilever and worked for Workforce Central’s Pierce County Partnership and Career Day programs before joining the Construction Center of Excellence.
During her time at the center, Lin has been a key player in the implementation of the center’s strategic plan and keystone events and activities including the Empower Women’s Leadership Conference and the Pacific Northwest Apprenticeship Education Conference. Lin is a team player who connects employers, labor, education, and workers in the construction industry through the center’s communications and programs.
Lin’s passion for inclusion and equity in the trades has driven her work at the center over the course of her tenure. She is currently working on marketing and outreach plans to help extend center resources statewide in multiple languages.