If you are struggling to find a job and fear you may run out of unemployment benefits before you find one, the problem might be your training. Studies show that workers with more education and training have a better chance of finding and keeping secure jobs with higher wages. Even skilled and educated workers who have enjoyed productive and lucrative careers may find that their skills are no longer required. If this is your case, you have two options: move to a place where your skills still are in demand or reinvent yourself and train for a new career which is in high demand in your area.

Great idea! I hear you say. Just one problem, college and vocational courses cost money and how will I care for my family while I am training? The Washington Employment Security Department understands these issues are a major obstacle for unemployed workers who seek to improve their chances of finding suitable employment and offers special training and education courses for eligible workers. Find below direct links to programs managed by the state of Washington, which may provide you the key to free education and a better chance of finding the job you and your family needs.

E-Learning

Free Microsoft training – WOW!
The Washington State Employment Security Department has contracted with Microsoft to offer more than 1,000 different online courses to WorkSource customers – for FREE. From first-timer to basic user to expert user to computer professional, you have the opportunity to go as far as you want.

Training Benefits

Training Benefits Video
Learn about the Training Benefits program which offers additional weeks of unemployment benefits so eligible claimants can train for careers in a high-demand field.

Program Directories

WorkSource Career Centers & Affiliated Sites
WorkSource Centers provide the information, technology and services job seekers need to achieve successful careers. They represent a unique concept in the labor market – everything in one place.

WIA Workforce Development Councils (WDC)
Workforce Development Councils are responsible for implementation of the Workforce Investment Act, providing workforce development planning and coordination between education, training and employment efforts in their communities.

Eligible Training Providers

Career Bridge
Career Bridge is the Web site for Washington state’s Eligible Training Provider (ETP) list. The ETP List ensures that certain performance standards are met for programs receiving federal workforce funding under the Workforce Investment Act. Career Bridge matches each job with education and training programs offered throughout the state. Future students can see at a glance the cost of tuition, books and other fees, the location and length of training, entrance requirements and more, as they consider pursuing a particular career path.

Colleges and Universities

Washington State Colleges and Universities
A complete list of degree-granting colleges and universities legally operating in Washington.

Training and Education Center

Career InfoNet
Determine your training needs, finding training, impact of training and more.

For many unemployed workers this is the first time they have been out of work. Since they left high-school or college they have always been employed and the only reason for leaving a job was to get a better one or relocate to another area. Times have changed. We are experiencing unemployment levels not seen in decades and workers need to get wise to the new status quo. Newly unemployed workers must learn how to find a new job and rebrand themselves for skills and job openings that are still in demand. This is not easy if you though your employment was safe or you planned to stay in the same industry for your working life. The Washington Employment Security Department knows this and is providing unemployed workers with free workshops that teach workers how to adapt to a new workplace environment and adapt their skills and strengths to what employers are looking for.

If you are interested in attending a free job search workshop near you, click on the location nearest to you for a list of scheduled workshops: Bellingham, Bremerton , Chehalis, Everett , Kelso , Lynnwood, Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor ,Olympia, Port Angeles , Pullman, Seattle-King County, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver.

But what can you expect from these workshops. WorkSource, the organizing agency for the Washington Employment Security Department has prepared a curriculum synopsis so you know what to expect. We include a brief summary below.

Module One: Orientation to WorkSource Services

The most difficult part of any job search may be taking the first step. WorkSource is here to help you! During this workshop you will be given an overview of the services available at your local WorkSource office to assist with all phases of your job search. You will also be introduced to Go2WorkSource.com, your premier online resource for finding work in Washington State.
This workshop will introduce you to an array of employment and training services and get you connected with staff who are experts in the local labor market. This information is appropriate for any job seeker to assist with specific needs. The Job Search Readiness Inventory will guide you in getting started.

Module Two: Skills and Abilities Analysis

Today’s economy requires workers who can transfer skills from one work setting to another and who have the kinds of personal qualities that make organizations successful. In this workshop you will learn to identify, demonstrate and package, with confidence, your skills and personal qualities in ways that will be meaningful to employers. You will also learn oral communication skills and practice delivering a 60 Second Commercial – a brief, high impact presentation to potential employers.

Module Three: Job Search Strategies

Finding out about employers in your area and creating a strategy of targeted job search is the key to success. In the Job Search Strategies class you will learn ways to find out which job search methods work best for you! This class provides tips on the value of labor market information and introduces other strategies like networking, informational interviews and utilizing the Internet to help locate jobs.

Module Four: Perfecting Applications

An important part of any job search is to understand the employer’s point of view. In this workshop you will learn how employers read applications and how to be better prepared to meet an employer’s expectations. The workshop explores how to organize and communicate, in writing, your skills and abilities in a way that stands out from the crowd. You will leave the workshop with a master application that will be helpful when filling out paper and electronic applications and start you on your way to developing a résumé.

Module Five: Effective Résumés and Cover Letters

Successful job seekers take the time to learn what employers want. Learn how two of the four primary pieces of job search related communication convey to a prospective employer who you are, what you know and what you have to offer. Learn which résumé and cover letter format best displays your skills, knowledge and abilities in order to attract employers and lead to more interviews!

Module Six: Interviewing Techniques

You might have the best résumé ever, but if you don’t interview well it won’t matter. Being able to handle a job interview is a necessity for any job seeker. Knowing what employers are looking for and being prepared are absolute musts. In this workshop you will learn valuable interviewing tips and have the chance to practice answers to frequently asked—and sometimes difficult—questions in a supportive, realistic environment.