PEI Addresses Critical Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Need for Entry Level Skills

As Career Connect Washington’s (CCW) Sector Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), PEI leverages our unique expertise bridging ANR industry needs with an understanding of state education systems. Our FieldSTEM© model works with schools to provide equitable career connected opportunities that lead youth to post-secondary certification, degrees and employment.

Learn more from our ANR Sector Leader Flyer

Our ANR Sector Leader Priorities:

• Expand successful career connected learning (CCL) models and pilots across Washington State.
• Develop new statewide GIS and ANR mechanic career pathways.
• Develop an ANR employer career pathways toolkit and trainings that support best practices for building the future workforce.
• Support district adoption of CCL courses and programs as part of systemic FieldSTEM integration.

Washington State’s ANR industry is:

• The nation’s largest commercial fisheries, aquaculture and seafood industry, with a value of $1.2 billion and almost 10,000 jobs.
• The nation’s second largest lumber producer.
• The source of over 300 agricultural crops. Potatoes alone contribute 32,000 jobs and $7.35 million to the overall health of Washington State’s economy, along with 23% of all potatoes grown in the United States.

As of 2025, job openings exceeded the number of applications, and natural resource career opportunities are expected to continue increasing in coming years. Yet many employers struggle to find applicants with the skills needed for these jobs. Industry and education partners must work together to help the next generation enter and succeed in natural resource industries. 

With workforce partners, PEI has identified 67 Standard Occupation Classification Codes that directly relate to ANR jobs, including technicians, scientists, mechanics, educators, and supervisors. Most ANR job skills are transferable across industry and sectors, further increasing the value of these skills to Washington’s economy. ANR jobs provide opportunities for meaningful employment in both rural and urban communities.