Apprenticeship Building America Evaluation Convening
April 6 - 7, 2026

Highline College
2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198

Purpose

The Apprenticeship Building America Evaluation Convening is focused on evaluating the ABA program. The convening uses three structured conversation groups—Program Builders, Employers & Partners, and Apprentices/Pre‑Apprentices—to collect the information needed to assess the program’s performance and impact. Technical assistance and program highlights are also included as part of the convening experience.

Objectives

During the convening, participants will:

  • Reflect on lessons learned to date

  • Identify opportunities for improvement and alignment

  • Strengthen collaboration across partnerships

  • Receive technical assistance

What to Expect

  • Small group conversations about what’s working and what could be better

  • Guided discussions with other participants

  • Time to share ideas and learn what others are doing across the state

  • Technical assistance with practical tips

Your input matters. It will help strengthen Washington’s apprenticeship programs.

Come ready to participate and listen as well as share your own experience. Your feedback will remain anonymous.

Who Should Attend

  • ABA program staff

  • Employers and industry partners

  • Community-based partners

  • Apprentices and pre-apprentices

We encourage each program to bring an apprentice/pre-apprentice and an employer/community partner to participate in the evaluation to share their perspectives. Their voices are essential to telling the full story of ABA’s impact.

Lodging information

If you will be traveling from outside Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia areas you may qualify for travel reimbursement – please contact Lynda Best for information.

We have secured room blocks at the following hotels:

Four Points by Sheraton – Seattle Airport South
22406 Pacific Hwy South
Des Moines, WA 98198
Rates: $135 plus applicable taxes and fees, discounted $10 overnight parking
Use this reservation link

Plaza by the Green (Best Western)
24415 Russell Road
Kent, WA 98032
Rates: $109 to $125 plus applicable taxes and fees
Use this reservation link

If you choose to stay at a different hotel, please make sure it complies with the federal per diem lodging rate for King County in April, which is no more than $188 per night total, including all taxes/fees/etc.

Participants are responsible for making their own reservations unless otherwise specified.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all participants. The venue includes:

  • ADA-accessible facilities

  • Food allergies accommodations

  • Lactation pod and quiet spaces

  • Prayer/meditation room access

If you require additional accommodations, please indicate this during registration.

Location & Logistics

Venue: Highline College - Building 8, Student Union
Address:2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198

  • On-site parking available

  • Wi-Fi provided

Additional logistical details will be shared with registered participants.

Register

Click Here to register.

Please confirm attendance by March 18.

WA Employment Security Department Career Connect Washington received $ 5,682,883.00 of funding from a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America Category 4 grant. Read more about USDOL grant funding at esd.wa.gov/usdol

Questions

For questions regarding agenda, logistics, or participation, please contact:

Lynda Best
Email: lynda.best@esd.wa.gov
Phone: 360-995-2793

Reimbursement Guidelines

Send email to hello@mca-marketing.com by Friday, April 10.

See below for details and instructions for what to include.

  • Send an email with the following to hello@mca-marketing.com. Emails should be received by Friday, April 10.

    • Email Subject Line should read: "ABA Evaluation Convening Reimbursement”

    • Your full name

    • The address we should send a check to

    • Your mileage, captured in trips (see below for details), if applicable

    • Your hotel receipt (see below for details), if applicable

  • The ABA gas reimbursement rate is 0.725 per mile. In order to capture miles traveled, enter your trip details into Google Maps or Mapquest and either take a screenshot or share a link to the trip. The screenshot should include miles traveled and the starting/ending addresses.

  • Attach an image or scan of your hotel receipt to your email, sent to hello@mca-marketing.com. Receipts must be received by Friday, April 10.

  • Send an email to Lynda Best at lynda.best@esd.wa.gov with any billing questions.

Note: not everyone will be eligible for reimbursement. If you have any questions, please direct them to lynda.best@esd.wa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The convening will be held at Highline College in Des Moines, WA, approximately 15 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac).

    Participants may travel by:

    Air Travel
    Fly into Sea-Tac and use rental car, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, or public transit to reach campus.

    Public Transit
    Highline College is accessible via regional transit, including:

    Several bus routes stop within walking distance of campus buildings. Transit schedules and route recommendations will be shared closer to the event.

    Driving
    Highline College is accessible via I-5 and other major highways. Attendees may drive from King County or surrounding regions including Vancouver, Olympia, Bellingham, and other parts of Washington.

    Parking
    On-site parking will be available at the college. Parking maps and detailed instructions will be provided prior to the convening.

  • If you will be traveling from outside Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia areas you may qualify for travel reimbursement – please contact Lynda Best for information.

    We have secured room blocks at the following hotels:

    Four Points by Sheraton – Seattle Airport South
    22406 Pacific Hwy South
    Des Moines, WA 98198
    Rates: $135 plus applicable taxes and fees, discounted $10 overnight parking
    Use this reservation link

    Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – Seattle/Kent
    21109 66th Avenue South
    Kent, WA 98032
    Rates: $109 to $125 plus applicable taxes and fees
    Use this reservation link

    Plaza by the Green
    24415 Russell Road
    Kent, WA 98032
    Rates: $109 to $125 plus applicable taxes and fees
    Use this reservation link

    If you choose to stay at a different hotel, please make sure it complies with the federal per diem lodging rate for King County in April, which is no more than $188 per night total, including all taxes/fees/etc.

    Participants are responsible for making their own reservations unless otherwise specified.

  • Yes. On-site parking is available at Highline College. Detailed parking information will be provided prior to the convening.

  • No. Attendance is by invitation only for the purpose of program evaluation and technical assistant to ensure focused discussion and productive working sessions.

  • Lynda Best
    Email:     lynda.best@esd.wa.gov
    Phone:     360-995-2793

  • TThe convening brings together ABA program builders, employers/community partners & Apprentices/Pre-Apprentices to collect information needed to assess the program’s performance and impact. There will also be opportunities to highlight programs and technical assistance.

  • Pre-convening materials will be shared in advance. Participants are encouraged to reflect on:

    • Implementation successes

    • Challenges encountered

    • Opportunities for improvement

    • Recommendations for strengthening impact

  • Yes. Light working breakfast and working lunch will be provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions when confirming your attendance.

  • Yes. The venue includes ADA-accessible facilities, accessible restrooms, and designated quiet, prayer, and lactation spaces. If you require additional accommodations, please indicate this during RSVP.

  • Yes. Highline College is located near:

    • The Des Moines waterfront and marina

    • Sea-Tac area dining

    • Tukwila/Southcenter restaurants and shopping

    • Tacoma waterfront and downtown attractions (approximately 30 minutes away)

    Scroll down for recommendations.

  • Participants can expect:

    • Structured evaluation conversations

    • Technical Assistance sessions

    • Highlights of programs and successes

    This is not a conference format; it is an interactive working session.

Dining & Things To Do Near Highline College

Whether you're arriving early or staying after the convening, there are several nearby options for dining and exploration.

Des Moines Waterfront (10 minutes)

  • Des Moines Marina offers waterfront views and walking paths

  • Casual seafood and local dining options

  • Coffee shops and small local businesses

Sea-Tac Area (10–15 minutes)

  • Convenient dining near the airport

  • Access to Angle Lake Park for a short walk or lake views

Tukwila / Southcenter (15–20 minutes)

  • Westfield Southcenter for restaurants and shopping

  • Wide range of casual and sit-down dining options

  • Additional lodging options

Tacoma Waterfront (30 minutes)