A retired union carpenter who wants to empower others to attain family-wage careers has joined the Renton Technical College Board of Trustees.  

Robert "Bob" Zappone, a graduate of the Carpenters Apprenticeship from what is now RTC, brings a wealth of experience in labor leadership and apprenticeships to the Board. Gov. Jay Inslee appointed him to the Board.  

"I have a long-term interest in the vital work of Technical College and Apprenticeship programs, and I want to see these programs continue far into the future," Zappone said.  

He graduated from the Carpenter's Apprenticeship program at what was then known as Renton Vocational Technical Institute.  

"I am proud of the work I did to help 'build America' as a Union carpenter and my contributions as a Union Representative to expand opportunities for family-wage careers," he said. "Now retired, I see service on the RTC Board of Trustees as an opportunity for me to continue my support of programs that empower individuals to pursue family-wage careers in our community.

He served for many years on the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Committee, the Labor/Management team responsible for the education and training of the next generation. Later, as the Project Labor Agreement Administrator for King County, he contributed to developing and implementing Pre-apprenticeship and Priority Hire programs that provided opportunities for women and people of color who have been historically excluded from the building trades. He also served as Director of Council Relations for King County Executive Ron Sims before retiring.