How the Eastside Training Center started
The Eastside Training Center, located at East 60th and McKinley Avenue in Tacoma, aligns with our institutional goals to increase educational access to communities that have not traditionally been well served by higher education. By working with partners like WorkForce Central and the City of Tacoma, the Eastside Training Center opened in January 2025. It blends the same high-quality skills training offered at CPTC’s Lakewood and South Hill campuses with WorkForce Central services designed to bridge the gap between job seekers, employers, and community organizations. The Eastside Training Center will respond to the unique needs and desires of the Eastside community and evolve over time.
Programs Taught at Eastside Training Center
The Eastside Training Center's program offerings will grow and change over time. Right now, you can earn high school and college credits in the following areas:
- Heating & Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service Technician (HVAC)
- Electrician Low Voltage Fire/Security
- Construction Technology
- Residential Electrician
- Residential Plumbing
Application Deadlines
Apply for admissions now! Program classes start every quarter (January, April, July, September).
If you're using financial aid, scholarships, or other funding to pay for college, those funding sources may have deadlines. Check with your funding sources for more details.
Who can take classes & what it costs
The programs offered at the Eastside Training Center, like classes at our Lakewood and South Hill Campus, are open to students earning college credits or high school dual enrollment credits, including Running Start and CPTC’s Northwest Career & Technical High School students.
Enrollment at Eastside
Do you have questions about the enrollment process? Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Connect with an Entry Coordinator at our Eastside Training Center for help with:
- Completing your admissions application
- Academic planning
- Transfer credit review
- Questions about funding options
- Assistance with class registration
To schedule an appointment with an Entry Coordinator, please follow the link here: Lauren Raye-Edwards Booking page (Eastside Training Center)
Appointments are available in person and online, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you are between the ages of 15-21, have not yet attained a high school diploma, and are interested in learning more about the Eastside Training Center and how it might be a fit for you, please complete the interest form above.
Stay connected to your home high school with Running Start
Running Start allows high school students who want to maintain a connection to their school - maybe it's for sports, prom, clubs, support systems, or other reasons - but take college classes. You'll earn your high school diploma from your high school. Contact Erica Lebens, Running Start Counselor, at erica.lebens@cptc.edu or 253-589-5548 for more info.
Make Northwest Career & Technical High School your home high school
Students who want make the NWCTHS their only high school - lots of home schooled or co-op students choose this option - should contact Amy Robertson-Bullen, Associate Director of Northwest Career & Technical High School, at amy.robertson-bullen@cptc.edu or 253-589-5770 to discuss program fit and details.