Training Services & Resources

Your reemployment strategy may include upgrading existing job skills, or training for a new career. There are many things to consider before pursuing training, and WorkSource staff are available to explain your options. For example, did you know you might be eligible for programs that pay your training costs? To learn more about funding resources for retraining, contact your local WorkSource office.

Some Things To Think About

• It makes sense to pursue training for an occupation that is expected to be in demand when you complete your program
• If you are eligible for a program that pays for your training, you’ll need to make sure the school you want to attend is on the Washington State Eligible Training Provider List (unless otherwise directed)
• Do you have the financial resources to participate in a year or more of training, with no guarantee you’ll find work right away after you finish the program?

Training Resources & Assistance

Below are on-line resources that can help you decide the type of training that is right for you, and where you can receive that training.

Washington Career Bridge
This new website allows you to explore training programs, careers and financial aid options all over the state. Programs on the Washington State Eligible Training Provider List are eligible to provide training to individuals who qualify for:

1. An Individual Training Account voucher funded by Title I-B of the Workforce Investment Act; and/or
2. Additional weeks of unemployment insurance benefits through the Washington State Training Benefits Program; and/or
3. Trade Act Program.

This online system makes it possible to review eligible training programs by geographic area, by the name of an occupational program, or by the name of the school that offers the eligible training program.

Seattle-King County Qualifying Occupations List
As required by the state, the WDC maintains a Qualifying Occupations List that catalogs occupations and skill sets that are in high demand and those that are declining in the Seattle-King County region. This list is updated annually using information provided by the Labor Market Information Division (LMI). It is the foundation for eligibility for training benefits under the Workforce Investment Act, Unemployment Insurance, WorkFirst, and Commissioner-Approved Training.

Community Colleges & Technical Schools
Web site links for Washington Community and Technical Colleges

NEW! Worker Retraining College Websites
Links to colleges offering Worker Retraining assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs due to economic changes and for those receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits

Apprentice Information
Facts and information about becoming an apprentice within Washington State

Apprenticeship: a step-by-step guide
Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training

 

Training & Unemployment Insurance Benefits

If you decide to pursue training while you are collecting unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you need to consider how it might impact your ability to continue receiving UI benefits, and/or receive an extension of those benefits while you are a student. The following information addresses these questions.

Commissioner Approved Training (CAT)
For those who qualify, this allows you to collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits while you retrain for a new job

Downloadable CAT Application Form (PDF)

Training Benefits (TB)
Additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits potentially available to laid off workers attending approved training

Downloadable TB Application Packet (PDF)

Local Office Resources

It's a good idea to review your options with a WorkSource professional for help in developing a personal reemployment plan. Several WorkSource offices offer a workshop that reviews employment and training resources that are available to you. For a schedule of these and other workshops offered at WorkSource, go to our workshop page and select the category "Introduction to Services" for your workshop search.

Many local WorkSource offices also have career assessment software and labor market information (e.g. Washington Occupational Information System; ORCA; O*Net; Choices CT) that can help you identify training programs and providers that can meet your reemployment needs.