ANEW will be closed December 24–January 2 and will resume normal operations on January 5 | | | | Recognizing Riley: 2025 Built with Pride Scholarship Recipient | | Pictured from Left: Karen Dove, ANEW Executive Director, Stacy Harbour-Van Hoy, GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund, Eliot Hills, Co-Founder BWPS, Riley-Scholarship Recipient, Courtney Wise, Co-Founder, BWPS, Garett Larivee, BWPS Leadership Team. | | |
ANEW is proud to spotlight Riley, a current Trades Rotation Program (TRP) student and this year’s Built with Pride Scholarship recipient. Riley is on track to graduate on December 19th, and their journey reflects the dedication, resilience, and promise that this scholarship aims to uplift.
The Built with Pride Scholarship, offered in partnership with Build with Pride Seattle, GSBA, and ANEW, was created to support LGBTQIA+ individuals pursuing careers in the trades. The scholarship removes financial barriers, fosters belonging, and helps build a more inclusive and diverse workforce across Washington State.
Riley embodies these goals through their consistent hard work, teamwork, and commitment to building a future in the trades. Their accomplishments in the TRP program—both in the classroom and on the training field—demonstrate the impact of creating accessible and supportive pathways into high-demand construction careers.
As Riley prepares for graduation, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the collective effort of partners who believe in expanding opportunity and representation within the industry. We look forward to seeing Riley take the next steps in their apprenticeship journey and to witnessing the positive contributions they will bring to the trades.
Congratulations, Riley—and thank you to Build with Pride Seattle and GSBA, for helping make this success possible.
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When Alison first heard about ANEW, it came through community connection. ANEW alum Venice Wong was introduced to her by a mutual friend who knew she was exploring a future in the electrical trade. That introduction sparked a journey that would reshape her career and open the door to a new path in the trades.
Before joining ANEW, she worked in nonprofit communications, but she felt called toward work that would challenge her, allow her to grow technical skills, and create a stable future for herself and the people she loves. She graduated from ANEW’s program in December 2023, carrying with her a clear goal: to become a skilled, confident tradesperson and build a life rooted in purpose, community, and well-being.
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Following graduation, she spent eight months working as an 01 electrical helper with a small Snohomish-based contractor. In May, she took the next big step—accepting a position with Puget Sound Energy’s Pathway to Apprenticeship program.
Today, she is thriving as a Substation Wire Helper, supporting crews in testing, constructing, and maintaining the high-voltage infrastructure that keeps power flowing across our region.
“Substations range from 12,500 to 230,000 volts, so the work can be overwhelming,” she shared. “But I’m proud of how much I’ve learned. The expectations are high, but everyone around you wants you to succeed.”
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She encourages anyone considering the trades to think not only about the skills they want to build, but also about the lifestyle that comes with the work—whether you want a consistent location or are comfortable driving to different job sites, how much overtime fits your life, if you’re okay working outdoors in unpredictable elements, and whether you thrive more on a crew or independently. Being honest with yourself about what you want day-to-day, she says, can help you find the right fit. She also emphasizes trusting your gut and protecting your boundaries, noting that parts of trades culture can romanticize sacrifice—working through injury, always saying yes, or pushing past healthy limits.
“Do what you need to do to build your future, but don’t harm yourself just to meet an impossible standard. You’ll prove yourself through time and diligence—not through someone else’s idea of toughness.”
For those who hold marginalized identities in the trades, she highlights the importance of finding community and spaces that genuinely support you, as having people who understand your experience can make all the difference.
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ANEW TRP Students Explore the Magnolia Water Tank
Students from our Trades Rotation Program recently toured the Magnolia Water Tank, gaining hands-on insight into water infrastructure, safety procedures, and the construction and maintenance processes that keep our communities running.
The visit allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, observe skilled trades in action, and engage directly with industry professionals. Experiences like this prepare ANEW students for successful careers in the trades and deepen their understanding of critical infrastructure projects.
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A special thank you to:
- Lacy Newton – T Bailey LLC, Prime Contractor & Project Engineer
- Dave Stennet – Ironworkers Superintendent
- Sean Peif – Boilermakers Superintendent
- Jessica Duncan – Ironworker Welder
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ANEW TRP & PACE Students Take the Lead at Tacoma Trades & Hiring Fair!
Over 2,000 students and nearly 3,000 total attendees explored careers in the trades at the recent Korsmo Construction & Tacoma Public Schools Trades and Hiring Fair. ANEW TRP and PACE students were front and center, guiding participants through hands-on “try-a-trade” stations and sharing their own pre-apprenticeship experiences.
Their leadership and expertise gave youth a real look at the trades in action—showing firsthand how ANEW prepares the next generation of skilled professionals.
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Trades Rotation Program Graduation!
Please join us in celebration as we honor the achievements of our Pre Apprenticeship Training Program graduates.
TRP 128-Friday, Dec. 19 | 11:00 am -1:00 pm
Location: ANEW Training Facility 18338 Andover Park W, Tukwila
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Women in Trades Event 2026
TPU is hosting their annual Women in Trades event! This event provides an opportunity to learn more about careers in the trades and connect with journey-level professionals. While the event highlights opportunities for women in the trades, everyone is welcome to attend and participate!
DATE: January 15, 2026
TIME: 4:30 pm - 7:15 pm
LOCATION: TPU Auditorium
| | SUPPORTING ANEW'S MISSION | | |
Help Us Finish 2025 Strong—Donate Today
There is still time to make a difference before the year ends.
In 2025, ANEW expanded our programs, strengthened statewide partnerships, and supported more aspiring apprentices than ever before. But the demand continues to grow—and we need your support to meet it.
Your year-end gift will:
- Expand pre-apprenticeship training capacity
- Provide tools, equipment, and classroom resources
- Support outreach to apprenticeship sponsors across Washington
- Reduce barriers for women and underrepresented apprentices
- Strengthen pathways into high-wage, high-demand trades careers
Every contribution—whether financial or in-kind—has a direct impact on the people we serve. For many, ANEW is the first step toward stability, family-wage employment, and long-term economic mobility.
As the clock counts down to midnight on December 31, we invite you to join us in shaping a stronger workforce for Washington.
Make your tax-deductible gift today: Donations - ANEW
Thank you for standing with ANEW and for investing in opportunity, inclusion, and skilled trades training.
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