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Free job training programs in Washington.
Learn new skills or receive assistance in finding a job in Washington. The state, working with the federal government, administers several free employment services. They range from job training to support for veterans, seniors, and unemployed or dislocated workers. Resources can improve a candidates education, provide them with new skills, or help the unemployed get a job. While the specifics of each job center listed below will vary, some of what is available is below.
Gain new career or technical skills in Washington
Free computer training may be provided. Washington’s Employment Security Department works with different businesses, such as Skillsoft, to offer hundreds of online sessions and courses to WorkSource Center customers. The classes offered can train people on a wide variety of software from industry leaders such as Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Apple, Intuit, IBM and SAP.
Or they help clients learn about smart and cellular phones. Some classes are for beginners and others are for more advanced users. Additional sessions may be provided for seniors or younger workers as well. All sessions are offered for free at participating WorkSource centers.
Another online service is known as KeyTrain. This will also allow individuals to increase or brush up on skills in math, reading, computers, job seeking and business etiquette. The KeyTrain sessions can be taken at WorkSource centers or from the comfort of your own home. If you choose that option, all you need is a computer with higher speed Internet access.
Worker Retraining Programs are available. If you want to improve your skills or train for a new career, or if you are unemployed, this Washington state retraining program can help people pay for certifications, tuition, and other expenses. Many schools and colleges participate. There are also resources on how to get scholarships to pay for college.
This was really created to respond to the sudden and dramatic changes in the structure of Washington's economy. Over the years the state has occasionally been impacted by the layoffs of thousands of workers in major industries. So the need for effective, ongoing retraining type programs is very high. They have also been proven to be effective for those who enroll.
Over many years, hundreds of thousands of dislocated and unemployed workers have used this government program. It has helped thousands of jobless or part time workers who need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce and increase their income. The Worker Retraining Program can help pay for a number of expenses for individuals who lost their jobs due to economic changes. Aid is also for people who are currently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits from the state or federal government.
Community and technical colleges, countless private schools, and even certification programs can offer retraining to clients. As indicated, the goal is to prepare people for work.
Financial help for paying employment expenses
People who are looking to go back for a more formal education can sign up for government financial aid or Pell Grants. These can be offered to unemployed workers. Your local Washington Job center can also provide information on other sources of financial aid to pay for education or job training. The state or non-profits in Washington can also arrange cash assistance to pay for certain expenses, including clothes, gasoline, bus or subway tokens, car repairs, and more. Read more on Washington public assistance programs.
WorkSource Career Centers provide support to job seekers of all ages and backgrounds. Customers can get information, guidance, access to technology and more. Several government funded and non-profit services are available to job seekers and the resources can help them achieve successful careers in a field of their choice. The centers are truly a unique concept in the labor market and offer everything in one place.
Residents in Washington can also enroll into the federally funded and administered Workforce Investment Act. This will provide workforce development planning and coordination between training, education and employment efforts to people in their communities.
The Washington Adult Program serves people who are 18 years and older. Those who enroll into this WIA funded program need to be legally entitled to work in the United States and have met selective service registration requirements. A focus is on people who are unemployed.
The objective of the Adult Program is to increase the earnings, employment retention, skill set and occupational skills of participants, and offer financial help. This program aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the state’s economy, improve the quality of the workforce, reduce government welfare dependency, and help people get on the correct career path. While anyone can enroll, there is a priority for the unemployed, eligible low income and welfare recipients. Another priority is for veterans and their spouses to receive help.
The Adult program provides both a range of staff assisted and self-service services for qualified adults seeking fulfilling employment and self-sufficiency, even including free stuff or financial aid, such as help paying phone bills in Washington. Services available in Washington can range from free job search and placement assistance, skill assessment, labor market information, referrals to training programs, and more. If you are an eligible adult who is having difficulty in finding a job, then more intensive case management can be offered.
Local employers and businesses are also offered assistance in accessing a qualified labor pool. After all, the goal of the program is to increase employment and also retention for its participants. It can also reduce the risk to employers as they have more access to that skilled qualified job applicant.
Placement and additional job services in Washington state
One of the key tools of the WIA is Career Bridge. This will match each job and seeker with education and job training programs offered throughout the state. Residents and future students can see at a glance the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other education fees and costs. Get information on the location and length of training, entrance requirements and more. Those who use WIA will also be assigned to a counselor as they consider pursuing a particular career path.
The Career Bride program can also help clients find short term money making opportunities. This will allow the client to get some cash for their bills, gain new skills, and build out a resume. There are many different opportunities out there, even including tips for making free money.
Many unemployed can also enroll into the Dislocated Worker Program. This government resource is intended for workers who lost their jobs due to major company downsizing, plant closures, or some other major change in local or regional market conditions. The applicant needs to be qualified for (or have used up) all of their current unemployment compensation. In some cases a displaced homemaker or self-employed worker may be offered this aid in Washington.
Specialists will work with the client to offer employment and training services to meet dislocated workers' needs. Counselors will work with the unemployed, impacted worker. Individuals can receive a skill assessment, help with their job search and placement assistance. Also get information on the local labor market and employers.
In some cases, more in depth or intensive services are offered to dislocated workers or those facing a hardship. This can include individual counseling, internships, and prevocational and vocational training. For example, maybe a counselor will reach out to a potential network opportunity on your behalf.
Youth services are available too at WorkSource Centers. The focus of this resource is on individuals who are under the age of 21. The state will offer educational services, internships, and other support for the youth in Washington. Younger adults, and millennialsor teenagers in Washington, can even use technology (such as smartphone apps) to make some extra cash. As there are many smart phone apps for playing games, Android or Apple services, and more.
A focus is on young people who are low income and who also need help to complete an educational program. Or get assistance in finding and holding employment in Washington. Many of those who enroll are from families that are receiving welfare or food stamp, a foster child, currently or formerly homeless, or they have a family income that meets government set income guidelines.
A wide variety of assistance programs will help students and the youth succeed in school and/or work. Program participants may receive services from their local WorkSource Center such as leadership development, occupational skills training, counseling, internships, job placements, instruction in obtaining a GED, mentoring, tutoring, and additional support services as needed.
To participate in this youth program, a person must be lacking in basic literacy skills, pregnant or a new parent, a school dropout, a runaway, homeless, a foster child, or even an offended. Depending on your background, strategies are developed for each person based on the results of the assessment. This can also include apprenticeship and other career exploration opportunities.
Locations of free Washington job centers
Kitsap County
Main address is 1300 Sylvan Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 337-4810
WorkSource Center serving Clallam and Jefferson Counties
228 W 1st St., Suite A
Port Angeles, WA 98362-2639
Telephone number (360) 457-2103
WorkSource Center Jefferson County Affiliate
Main address is 207 W. Patison, Shold Business Park
Port Hadlock, Washington 98339
Phone: (360) 379-5036
Kitsap Community Resources
3200 SE Rainshadow Court
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Telephone number is (360) 473-2159
Resources offered include free job search, career counseling, and resume review services, among others.
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council of Grays Harbor
Main location is 511 W. Heron
Aberdeen, WA 98520
Call (360) 533-9318 for intake.
WorkSource Lewis County
Location - 151 NE Hampe Way
Chehalis Washington 98532
Telephone: (360) 748-2360
Long Beach WorkSource of Pacific County
Address is 2601 North Pacific Hwy
Long Beach, WA 98631
Call the center at (360) 642-6210
WorkSource Pacific County which covers Grays Harbor College, Riverview Education Center
Location 600 Washington Street
Raymond, WA 98577
(360) 875-9470
Mason County
2505 Olympic Hwy N Suite 420
Shelton, WA. 98584
(360) 427-2174
North Mason Resources
Main address is 140 Northeast ST Hwy 300
Belfair, WA 98528
Phone: (360) 427-2148
Thurston County
Location is 1570 Irving St SW
Tumwater WA, 98512
Telephone number - (360) 704-3600
Northwest Workforce Council - Whatcom County
Location - 101 Prospect Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225
Dial (360) 676-1521 for information.
WorkSource Skagit and San Juan Counties
2005 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Main Phone: 360.416.3600
Whidbey Island
31975 SR 20
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 675-5966
WorkSource Snohomish County
3201 Smith Ave, Suite 413
Everett, WA 98201
Dial 425.258.6330
Specialists can refer clients to state and federal government job training programs. The unemployed and people looking to gain a new skills can benefit.
Additional centers are at. Call for information on job training and employment.
- 20311 52nd Avenue West - Suite 300, Lynnwood, WA 98036, (425) 673-3300
- 17150 W Main St Suite B, Monroe, WA 98272, telephone: 360.512.3625
- 6405 218th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, dial the center at 425-412-6867
- 17731 Highway 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037, call (866) 436-1960
- 3201 Smith Ave, Everett WA 98201, main phone number is (425) 374-8351
King County and Seattle has several Workforce Development Offices.
Council of Seattle/King County for South region. 2707 I Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002, General office phone number: (253) 804-1177
- Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007-6484, call (425) 564-2279
- Highline Community College, 2400 S 240th Street, Des Moines, Washington 98198-9800
- East King County, 7735 178th Place NE, Redmond, WA 98052, General phone number: (425) 861-3700
- 500 SW 7th Street Suite 100, Renton, Washington 98057. Dial (206) 205-3500 if you live in South King County.
- Opportunity Center for Employment & Education, 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103, call (206) 440-2500
- South Seattle Community College, WorkSource Affiliate, 6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106-1499
- Rainier region. 2531 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144, (206) 721-6000
- Affiliate in Downtown Seattle, 2024 3rd Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121, dial (206) 436-8600 for intake.
- Seattle Central Community College, Career Services Center, 1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, 206-344-4383
Pierce County Workforce Development
- 1305 Tacoma Ave So., Suite 201, Tacoma, WA 98402, call (253) 593-7300
- For Veteran Services in Pierce County, dial; (253) 593-7343
- Lakewood Affiliate, 5712 Main Street SW, Suite 200, Lakewood, WA 98499, dial (253) 984 5400
- 1101 South Yakima Avenue M210E, Tacoma, WA 98405-4895, (253) 680-7240
- Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499, (253) 589-5548
- WorkSource Affiliate, 714 South 27th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409, main phone number is (253) 573-6577
- 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999, (253) 964-6265
- Tacoma Community House, 1314 South L Street, Tacoma, WA 98415, telephone - (253) 383-3951
- Tacoma Housing Authority, 1724 E. 44th Street, Tacoma, WA 98404, dial (253) 207-4447
- 1701 Elm Street, Sumner, Washington 98390, main number is (253) 863-5173 x228
WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum is for both Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties
Address: 305 S. Pacific Ave., Ste. A
Kelso, WA 98626
Main phone: (360) 577-2250
Vancouver
Main location is 5411 E. Mill Plain Blvd, Suite 15
Vancouver, WA 98661-7046
Dial the office at (360) 735-5000
Operated by the North Central Workforce Development Council
Covers Grant and Adams County
Primary center is at 309 E. 5th Avenue
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Call (509) 766-4107 for intake.
WorkSource Okanogan County
126 South Main
Omak, Washington 98841
Toll Free number is 800-887-8057
WorkSource Chelan and Douglas Counties
Location is 215 Bridge Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Call (509) 665-6605
SkillSource Wenatchee of Chelan and Douglas Counties
233 N Chelan
Wenatchee, WA 98001
Call toll free: (800) 999-8694
Kittitas County
309 East Mountainview Avenue, Suites 1-7
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 925-5311
Goldendale and Klickitat County
Stop by the office at 116 East Main
Goldendale, Washington 98620
Phone: (509)-773-5503
WorkSource Stevenson
Covers Skamania County
704 SW Rock Creek Drive
Stevenson, WA 98648
(800) 511-7388
Yakima County WorkSource Centers
The addresses are 1925 Morgan Rd., Sunnyside, WA 98944, phone number (509) 836-1125 as well as 706 Rentschler Lane, Toppenish, Washington 98948. Dial (509) 865-7630
WorkSource Columbia Gorge
Assistance is for Klickitat and Skamania Counties
Location is 107 West Jewett Blvd
White Salmon, WA 98672
Dial (800) 511-7388
Yakima County
Main address is 306 Division
Yakima, WA 98902
Call (509) 574-0105
Rural Resources Clarkston
Covers Garfield and Asotin counties
Address: 1013 Bridge Street
Clarkston WA 99403
(509) 758-5461
WorkSource Colville - Serves Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille and Lincoln counties
Location is 956 S. Main
Colville, Washington 99114
Main phone: 1-800-451-1549
Rural Resources Newport is for Pend Oreille County
Location: 301 Spruce Ave.
Newport, WA 99156
Telephone number - (509) 550-7050
WorkSource Pullman Affiliate
Covers Whitman, Garfield and Asotin counties
Address is 350 SE Fairmont Rd, Suite 2
Pullman, Washington 99163-5500
Call (509) 332-6549 for hours.
Affiliate Outstation provides services in Ferry County
Address - 89 E Delaware
Republic, WA 99166
Telephone number - (509) 775-2236
WorkSource Newport Connection - Pend Oreille County
Location is 1600 W. 1st
Newport, WA 99156
Dial (509) 447-6225 for information.
Walla Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way, Room 144H
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 527-4373
WorkSource of Columbia, Garfield, and Walla Walla Counties
1530 Stevens
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Primary telephone - (509) 527-4393
Blue Mountain Action Council is for Columbia and Walla Walla Counties
Address: 342 Catherine Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Main phone: (509) 529-4980
Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council
Primary address is 815 N. Kellogg Street
Kennewick, Washington 99336
Dial the office at (509) 734-5987
Spokane County centers
- Spokane Workforce Development Area, 130 S. Arthur Street, Spokane, WA 99202, (509) 532-3000
- WorkSource Next Generation Zone - Serving youth in Spokane County. Address is 901 E 2nd Street
- Spokane, WA 99202. Or dial (509) 340-7800
- 1810 N Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99217-5399, (509) 533-7249
- Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W Ft George Wright Dr., Spokane, Washington 99224, main number is (509) 533-3521
- WorkSource Affiliate, 130 E Third Ave, Spokane, WA 99202, dial (509) 838-4246
- A center is also at 906 W. Main Avenue. Spokane, Washington 99201. Dial (509) 444-5334 for intake.
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