In ‘Around The Table,’ we highlight member news and share information on industry trends. In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Avista, Boeing, and Kaiser Permanente.
Avista: Bringing Career Pathways in Energy to Life
A relatively new program from Avista is bringing career pathways in energy to life for young people. Now in its second year, the Energy Pathways program is designed to expose high school juniors and seniors to careers in the utility industry – and generate a pipeline of potential future employees. During the four-week course, students learn about utility history and electric and natural gas theory. They walk through the energy generation process, visit Avista’s hydroelectric dams and thermal plans, and participate in multiple job shadows. Learn more about the program in this blog post.
Boeing Employees Help “Dreams Take Flight” Through Employees Community Fund
Since 1948, the Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF) has funded approximately $1 billion to local communities across the United States. Approximately $630 million of that total has supported organizations in Washington state. To recognize the generosity of these employees, Boeing will soon unveil a special full body decal for its 787 Dreamliner. Check out a sneak preview of the special decal wrap here.
Kaiser Permanente Partners with Local Schools to Combat Teacher Stress
Research estimates between 23% and 42% of teachers stop teaching within the first five years. Further, one in four teachers have chronic absenteeism, placing a burden on other teachers in the building. To reduce stress, burnout, and absenteeism, Kaiser Permanente has teamed up with schools in the Central Kitsap School District. Through free workshops, Kaiser Permanente hopes to create a culture of health and well-being in schools. “We often talk about supporting our kids, and the biggest way we can do that is to support staff,” said Meghan Rubman, assistant principal at Klahowya Secondary School. In addition to workshops, Kaiser Permanente is offering these schools access to the RISE (Resiliency in School Environments) Index, a diagnostic tool to evaluate school culture and environment. It addresses both staff well-being and their responses to students’ social-emotional needs. Learn more about the partnership from this Kitsap Sun article.