More than 50 graduating seniors enrolled in Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) programs took an important step toward their futures.
Each student participated in Boeing Signing Day, celebrating their acceptance of a job offer from Boeing after graduation.
PSSC 2026 graduate Aisha Ahmed said, “Boeing Signing Day was a powerful reminder that all the hard work, leadership, and dedication I’ve put into my education is opening doors to real opportunities.”
“As a Puget Sound Skills Center student, I’m grateful to be taking the next step toward a career in aerospace and excited to continue learning and growing with Boeing.”
Students from PSSC’s Core Plus Aerospace, Construction, Automotive Technology, and Auto Body Technology programs gathered with instructors and Boeing representatives to mark the occasion. For the students, this is the beginning of a career pathway filled with opportunity.
Boeing leaders encouraged students to embrace the journey ahead. Essentia Rivera, senior manager, Future Workforce at The Boeing Company shared that students will be joining the core of Boeing’s business, building airplanes. She emphasized that starting on the factory floor provides one of the best ways to understand the company and discover future opportunities.
“You choose your pathway,” Essentia said. “You’ll get support from Boeing along the way.”
Many of the students are accepting job offers though the Boeing Pre-Employment Training Program (BPET) that allows candidates from pre-certified academic courses and Military Career Skills Programs to fast-track the hiring process when applying for specific entry-level manufacturing jobs at Boeing.
“Core Plus Aerospace and other hands-on programs at PSSC are preparing students with the skills Boeing employees use every day,” said Essentia. “These programs teach students in-demand skills that give them an advantage when applying for jobs at Boeing.”
PSSC graduate Jayden Gutierrez said getting accepted by Boeing was an exciting and rewarding experience. “The process taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and staying committed to my goals,” he said.
“As a high school student interested in hands-on work and the automotive industry, being given the opportunity to work at a company as respected as Boeing made me feel proud of the skills and knowledge I have developed through the Puget Sound Skills Center.”
Jayden says the experience has motivated him to continue learning.
Michele Anastasi, a senior manager for the new 737 North Line congratulated the students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to take advantage of all the opportunities that Boeing provides including the Learning Together Program, which pays tuition and eligible expenses toward individual courses, certificate programs, and degrees for current Boeing employees.
“Whether you aspire to become a team leader, move into supply chain management, or pursue other career paths, Boeing offers a wide range of options for growth,” Michelle said. “There are so many people at Boeing who want to help you be successful.”
Along with celebrating student success, the day was a powerful reminder of the strong connection between Puget Sound Skills Center and major industry employers that is building the next generation of skilled workers in southwest King County.
Additional photos are available in a Facebook photo album posted June 27, 2026.