What is Workforce Training?
Workforce training is a partnership between community college and technical colleges and the Washington State Employment Security Department to provide job training for unemployed workers and those who face imminent layoffs. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges works with the Washington State Community and Technical colleges to provide relevant job training programs throughout the state. While enrolled in approved training programs, students will be able to draw unemployment benefits to the extent of their entitlement. Furthermore, students will be able to apply for additional financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition, fees, transportation and child care.

What does Workforce ask of You?

  • attend a general orientation & fill out initial application
  • participate in a Career Evaluation session
  • academic testing
  • apply for Federal Student Aid
  • adopt a manager of my career manager perspective for your new career path

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    Who is Eligible?
    The persons eligible to participate fall into one or three categories:

    1. Those who have been terminated or have received a notice of termination from employment and are unlikely to return to work.
    2. Those who are currently eligible to draw unemployment benefits.
    3. Those who have exhausted their benefits within the past 24 months.

    What About Dislocated Workers?
    Dislocated workers will be given workforce training priority. A dislocated worker is unlikely to return to employment in his or her principal occupation or previous industry. This is usually due to employment in a declining occupation or industry. Documentation must come through the Employment Security Office or The Private Industry Council.
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    What Are The Benefits?
    Legislation passed in 1993 allows students to continue to get their cash unemployment benefits while they attend college when progressing through an approved training program. Because the actual costs of classes must still be borne by the workforce training students, and because unemployment benefits may expire for some students prior to the completion of their programs, additional financial assistance is available through workforce training funds for those meeting eligibility requirements. If financial aid is awarded, students may be able to receive assistance for tuition, books and supplies, transportation and child care. Students are also encouraged to apply for federal financial aid which may provide financial resources. There are other programs available for financial aid.

    How Do I Apply?
    Students may obtain a one-page financial aid questionnaire from the Financial Aid Office at the college of your choice. The awards are determined on an individual basis. A number of variables for financial aid are considered, such as income, unemployment benefits, family size, federal financial aid, and other training resources. A Certification of Dislocated Worker Status form is to be completed by Employment Security staff.
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    What Training Programs Are Available?
    Each college offers different programs. You must check with the college you want to attend to find out which ones they offer. This is a list of some of the programs available at some colleges. Each college offers many additional programs, too many to list here. Please check with the college of your choice for specific program listings.


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    Uncertain About What Career Field To Enter?
    Feel free to contact the Counseling Centers for more information on college programs. Look here to see a list of colleges to contact for counseling.

    The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board offers a free booklet "Plan For Tomorrow Today," on career/occupations in Washington state that may interest you. The guide provides information on high school completion, careers in the military, financing your education, licensing requirements for particular occupations and training programs.