Machinist Institute Introduction to OFCCP

On November 3, 2023, Jennifer Fritzel, Regional Outreach Coordinator, met with Shana Peschek, Executive Director, Machinist Institute. Jennifer provided a thorough introduction of OFCCP's mission, enforced laws, and the Sumas Mega Construction Project. The discussion highlighted the region's efforts around the project and mentioned the current challenges for workers in Washington State. Shana introduced the Machinist Institute and efforts around access and equity in the building trades. Shana works closley with Karen Dove, Director, ANEW, and in fact, hosts a part of their training devices at the ANEW facility. One of the current efforts Shana is working on is students earning a degree as they journey out of their professional development training. She acknowledged the challenges to include childcare, transportation, and housing. Shana is working with organizations and the state to increase in-home childcare licensing and the non-traditional work hours of those in the trades industry. She has stood up a childcare taskforce and will invite OFCCP to join the committee for introductions and to stay engaged to support the childcare efforts for the construction industry. Shana is interested in joining the EEO Committee and supporting OFCCP's outreach efforts. She will be connecting OFCCP to a few of colleagues in her network, and is interested in future programming with OFCCP to support the Sumas Project.