Lakewood has an important military presence.

Joint Base Lewis - McChord provides a unique source of employees. Many highly trained and disciplined military personnel choose Pierce County as their last duty station so they can move into civilian life in our community and apply their technical skills in the private sector. Spouses of active military personnel also bring sought-after skills and abilities to the workforce.

Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood, Washington

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 hands-on career and training programs. From aviation to health care, from computers to design, from cooking to welding, at Clover Park Technical College you can expect your instructors to give you personal attention and skilled guidance. Check out www.cptc.edu to look at their list of programs or call 253-589-5800.

Pierce College - Fort Steilacoom Campus, Lakewood, Washington

Pierce College's Fort Steilacoom campus offers Associate's degrees, degree programs to link with partnering universities, professional and technical certifications in a number of fields which allow students to succeed in a number of satisfying, high-demand career fields.

Adult Basic Education programs help adults earn their high school equivalency or gain the basic math, reading, and language skills they need to thrive. Continuing education programs for lifelong learning include computer skills, dance, art, photography, home improvement, and languages. Check out http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/ to look at their list of programs or call 253-964-6651.

South Sound Washington Business Center

This organization offers various series of workshops on: Veterans Outreach for Training and Education, Entrepreneurships, Latino Economic Assistance Development Project, Native American Initiative, Loan Packaging, 30 Minute Think Tank, and can provide mentorship and protégé opportunities.

The Lakewood branch is located in Clover Park Technical College, Building 19, and can be reached at 253-589-4523.

WorkSource, The Business Connection - Pierce County

WorkSource, the Business Connection, offers workforce-oriented assistance and can help your company in employee recruitment, a job listing service, information about tax credits, on the job training contracts, employee development and labor market information. WorkSource's core services are free and are used by a variety of companies throughout Pierce County. Contact the WorkSource Business Connection at 253-583-8800.