trades

In Pierce County, an organized body of labor unions is trying to tackle the problem of childcare for working families.The Pierce County Labor Community Services Agency purchased an old elementary school in Tacoma in late September. The nonprofit plans to renovate the building to house child care for around 175 kids.

The number of students enrolled in Bates Technical College’s carpentry program has just about doubled over the past year. Bates has had to hire more faculty and begin offering an evening course to meet the demand. Dr. Brett McCarthy, the associate dean of instruction for Bates, said with that growth, the college needed more resources.

(Runtime 1:02)Machinery hummed and sparks flew as welding student Jaquelin Sanchez, 23, used electricity to connect two pieces of metal. Sanchez just…