Job Training Services & Resources

If you're considering upgrading your job skills, or training for a new career, WorkSource staff are happy to help you review your options.

Some sites offer a workshop on this topic called "Training Resources" or "Job Search and Training Resources." To find one, go to our workshop page and search by the keyword "training."

Many local WorkSource offices also have career assessment software and labor market information that can help you make training decisions.

To get started, check out a few of the online options below.

What if I'm collecting unemployment?

If you are collecting unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, job training might impact your benefits. Click the links to learn more about whether you might qualify for these resources, or speak with a WorkSource staff member.

Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT)
If you qualify, CAT allows you to collect Unemployment Insurance while you retrain for a new job, without having to look for work.

Training Benefits (TB)
If you qualify, TB can extend your Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits so you can train for a career in a high-demand field.

Exploring careers and training programs

New resource for jobseekers from WorkSource Seattle-King County! Career Coach and Career Bridge allow you to explore careers and find training programs across the state.

Career Coach lets you explore any occupation in depth. All in one place, you can find wages, hiring trends and job descriptions--even local job postings!

Use Career Coach in tandem with Career Bridge, where you'll find details, results and contacts for hundreds of training programs at public and private schools around the state.

Other options for exploring careers and training programs include:

• MapYourCareer.org -- Seattle-King County career maps and information in ten key sectors
• CheckOutACollege.com -- Explore community and technical colleges throughout Washington state.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• O*Net Online
  

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for federal or state assistance with job training. These can be difficult to navigate on your own, so we recommend that you sit down for a few minutes with a WorkSource staff member for an overview of programs you might be eligible for. Call or visit your local office and ask for an appointment.

Can I afford training?

Even if you get financial assistance, it is important to plan carefully for job training. Not only does it take financial resources for tuition, books and supplies that may not all be covered by financial aid, training reduces your time for working and earning.

To test your family budget and find out about public supports that might be available to carry you through, try the Self-Sufficiency Calculator. This free online tool shows the true cost of living for your family type, no matter where you live in King County or Washington state.

What are my skills and interests?

Try the Skills Profiler to create a list of your skills and match them to job types that use those skills.

Interested in apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship opens doors to highly skilled jobs in the trades through a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom instruction.

Apprentice Information
Everything you need to know about becoming an apprentice within Washington State.

Qualifying Occupations List

This list is the foundation for eligibility for training benefits under the Workforce Investment Act, Unemployment Insurance, WorkFirst, and Commissioner-Approved Training. It is maintained by the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County and is updated annually. See the Seattle-King County list here, or find the list for another area of Washington state.