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. 

Interested? Here's how to learn more

High school students have options

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.

College students

Follow the steps outlined on our How to Apply to CPTC page and be sure to let our Entry Services coordinator know that you are interested in the Eastside Training Center location.