Laborers launch new training facility

Designed to meet the needs of a growing workforce, the new building will provide more opportunities for apprenticeship and skill-building

DES MOINES, WA (May 13, 2025) — On Friday, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 242 held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of construction of their new training facility. The new facility is an expansion of their current training infrastructure, growth spurred by increased demand for Construction Craft Laborers in King County and across the Puget Sound region. Local 242 has been heavily involved in the development of bridges, highways, tunnels, energy infrastructure and buildings in the Greater Seattle area, including Climate Pledge Arena and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, among others.

Per the union, the new facility will host the Northwest Laborers’-Employers Training Program, providing opportunities for apprentices and journeyworkers in LIUNA to further their knowledge and skills. And LIUNA also views the new facility as precedent-setting for providing members more work opportunities, for giving more Signatory Contractors the ability to hire skilled laborers, along with apprenticeship growth.

The new LIUNA Local 242 training facility in Des Moines.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by Laborers’ Local 242 Business Manager/Secretary-Teasurer, Dale W. Cannon and Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers Business Manager, Stacy Martin, was a powerful celebration of the future of skilled workforce and apprenticeship in King County.

LIUNA members were joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell,  Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, labor champion former Senator Karen Keiser, and LIUNA Vice President and Northwest Regional Manager, Bob Abbott, along with elected officials, labor and community supporters.

“With the opening of this training facility today, the [NW Laborers-Employers Training Trust] Center will not only impact the communities where workers live, but will change their lives by providing them with a skilled job and career opportunity,” said Vice President Abbott in a statement.

Understanding Local 242’s positive impact in the community, Des Moines Mayor Buxton also took action last week to formally recognize the union’s contributions.

Des Moines Mayor Buxton reads a proclamation declaring May 9 “Laborers 242 Day.”

“We are thrilled to have this training facility and incredible workforce community thriving in our city,” said Buxton in a statement. “We are proud to honor this day with a proclamation declaring May 9, 2025, Laborers LiUNA Local 242 Day!” 

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than just the opening of a new building—it represents a powerful investment by our membership in their future,” said Local 242 Business Manager Cannon at the event. “This new training facility, developed in partnership with NW Laborers Training, is a testament to our shared commitment to opportunity, growth, and regional accessibility.”