Succeed in the workplace and attain your educational goals!

Bates offers multiple programs to support students who need to complete high school or prepare for college or a career. Whether you need to complete your high school diploma, or improve your reading, writing or math skills, our programs are designed to help you succeed in the workplace or attain your educational goals.

Be a part of the next generation of this high-demand career field

The Advanced Manufacturing career pathway prepares you for a career in manufacturing and aerospace industries. You’ll learn in clean, bright indoor labs that mirror the workplace using hands-on techniques to develop technical skills in traditional precision tooling and machining, as well as computer numeric control (CNC) machines.

Programs

• Machinist

Land a career behind the scenes or in a business setting

In the Business and Communication career pathway, you’ll prepare for a career in a professional business setting or a dynamic and fast-paced multimedia field. Whether you want to open your own business, pursue work in a traditional personal services or business setting, or you’re a creative technology-savvy person who seeks a career in video production, graphic design, photography or web media, this pathway is perfect for you.

Learn more about student achievement 

Programs

• Accounting
• Administrative Business Assistant
• Barber
• Broadcasting/Video Production
• Business Direct Transfer Agreement
• Digital Media
• Marketing and Business Management

Sauté and sizzle your way to a delicious career in cuisine

The Hospitality career pathway connects you with South Sound’s only American Culinary Federation Accredited Culinary Arts degree and certificate program. If you have an epicurean passion for baking and cooking, and have dreamed of working in the culinary industry, this program is for you. Earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate while receiving a hands-on education from award-winning instructors.

Programs

• Culinary Arts

Serve the public through creating positive learning environment for children or fighting fires and emergency management

The Education and Public Safety career pathway is focused on early childhood education and providing in-depth and robust education for future and current firefighters.

The Early Childhood Education program fuses theories and practical lab experiences to teach you how to create an effective learning experience and apply developmentally appropriate curriculum. This program prepares you for a rewarding career educating young children. Through the college’s continuing education department, individuals can earn a career and technical education certificate at the secondary level, grades 7-12.

The Fire Service program and other first responder-related courses are designed to give you an opportunity to train in real-world settings. You’ll prepare for careers as fire fighters or in related professions that require specific certifications.

Programs

• Early Childhood Education
• Fire Service

Take the first step toward pursuing a fulfilling career of caring for others

The Health Sciences career pathway prepares you for a rewarding career in a variety of professions, in both direct and indirect patient care. Whether you seek a career as a licensed practical nurse, dental assistant, occupational therapy assistant, dental lab tech, or you are interested in fixing high-tech equipment in a medical facility, Bates Technical College has a program for you. The programs combine technical and theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience and are taught by experienced faculty dedicated to your success.

Health Sciences Career Pathway Open House

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, 3-6 p.m., 1201 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405

Explore and learn more about the Health Science programs! Meet faculty, speak with students, and find out about funding options. Space is limited. Register for this free event today.

Health Sciences Information Sessions now available! 

• In Person: Third Thursday of the month, 1201 S. Yakima Avenue, Room B308, 3-4 p.m.
• Via Zoom: First Thursday of the month, 3 p.m. Go to Zoom room

Programs

• Administrative Medical Assistant
• Biomedical Service Technician: Clinical Engineering
• Certified Medical Assistant
• Dental Assisting
• Dental Lab Technician
• Denturist
• Nursing Assistant Certified
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Phlebotomy
• Practical Nurse

Get your career in gear in high-tech and analytical fields

The STEM career pathway prepares students to enter this exciting, fast-paced field with the knowledge, skills and industry certifications necessary to succeed and advance. Program choices are varied and focus on information technology, robotics and mechatronics, electronics and engineering fields. Each program teaches you the necessary skills and industry-relevant tools to pursue entry-level positions in these dynamic fields.

Programs

• Automation and Mechatronics
• Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology
• Cloud Computing and Networking Technology
• Cybersecurity
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Electronic Equipment Service Technician
• Information Technology Specialist
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Software Development

Hands-on learning for skilled trades and fast-moving careers

The Transportation and Trades career pathway prepares those who enjoy working with their hands, repairing various vehicles parts, and take pride in their craft. Many programs in this pathway teach you how to turn raw materials into finished products and how to safely operate and maintain equipment. If you’re interested in transportation programs that focus on earning your Class A CDL, repairing engines, or building and fixing motorcycle and marine equipment, these programs are the first step to gaining employment in these fields. Depending on the program you choose, you can earn industry certificates, licensures and apprenticeship hours

Programs

• Architectural Woodworking/Cabinet Making Technology
• Auto Body Rebuilding and Refinishing
• Automotive Technology
• CDL Entry Level Driver Training
• Carpentry
• Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
• Electrical Construction
• Facilities Maintenance Engineer
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
• Motorcycle and Marine Technology
• Sheet Metal Technology
• Welding

Refresh your skills or explore a new interest!

Our continuing education opportunities will help you retool for what’s next in life. Whether your goal is to continue your professional development or learn a new skill, our continuing education courses are current and relevant.

Programs

• Boiler Certification
• Career Technical Education
• Certified Nursing Assistant/CPR/LPN Refresher
• Construction and Trades
• Public Safety
• Transportation and Distribution

Learn a new trade or skill

Looking for paid, on-the-job learning?

Apprenticeships are a great option for people who  like to work with their hands and are ready to go to work.

Earn your high school diploma, open doors!

Bates offers several programs that help you earn your high school diploma, including High School+, Technical High School and Running Start.

Enhance your child care skills and create connections with other parents and caregivers!

Our robust Child Studies department educates parents, child care employees and caregivers on early childhood topics that enhances your skills. We offer parenting seminars and classes for parents, a child care advisory program, a resource center, State Training and Registry System (STARS) courses, and more.