Worker Retraining

The Worker Retraining program helps eligible Washington residents gain the skills, training, and credentials needed to compete in today's job market.

Through a partnership between Washington State's Community and Technical Colleges and Employment Security, the program provides financial assistance and support services to help eligible students prepare for new careers.

Workforce Funding Application

Assistance

Eligible students may receive:

• Tuition assistance
• Funding for books, as available
• Educational and career planning
• Workforce Education advising
• Assistance with Workforce Education Financial Aid
• Information about Training Benefits (TB) and Commissioner Approved Training (CAT)
• Continued unemployment benefits while attending approved full-time training, if authorized by Employment Security

Qualifications

You may qualify for the Worker Retraining program if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• You are currently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.
• You exhausted your Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits within the last four years.
• You received a layoff notice.
• You were self-employed and closed your business within the last two years.
• You separated from the U.S. Armed Services within the last four years.
• You are a displaced homemaker—you depended on another family member's income but are no longer supported due to separation, divorce, death, or the permanent disability of the primary wage earner.
• You are a vulnerable worker and meet at least two of the following criteria:
  • Your current occupation is not in demand.
  • You do not have 45 college credits and a certificate or degree related to your coursework.
  • You need to upgrade your skills to remain employed in your current job.

How to Apply

New or returning students:

1. Meet with an Entry Adviser to explore programs and get started.
2. Apply for RTC admissions.
3. Complete the FAFSA or WASFA (if applicable).
4. Complete placement testing (if required).
5. Complete the Workforce Education Financial Aid application.
6. Register for classes

Current students:

1. Complete the Workforce Education Financial Aid application.

Additional Resources

Qualified applicants must enroll in an approved WorkFirst training program.

If you are receiving Washington State Unemployment Insurance benefits, attending school may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

You may inquire at your local WorkSource office about applying for Training Benefits (TB) & Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). If eligible, the Unemployment Insurance program may waive work search and availability requirements while you are attending school full-time.

For funding across Washington State’s Community and Technical Colleges, visit Start Next Quarter.