... is a federal workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of businesses, job seekers and those who want to further their careers.

The training and employment programs designed and managed at the local level by local Workforce Development Councils, where the needs of businesses and individuals are best understood.

These programs are designed so that customers can conveniently access the employment, education, training, and information services they need at a single location (your local WorkSource Center). You have choices in deciding the training program that best fits your needs and the organizations that will provide that service. You have control over your own career development.

You also have a right to information about how well training providers succeed in preparing people for jobs. Training providers will provide information on their success rates. Job Training Results pages provide information for prospective students on the employment and further education of students after they leave vocational training programs. Includes contact information, tuition rates, program length. Higher Education Washington State Colleges and Universities.

For more information, contact the WorkSource Center or Affiliate near you, and visit these sites: Washington State Employment & Training Programs and Services includes descriptions of Employment and Training Programs for Washington State Job Seekers. The Washington State Eligible Training Provider List locates training programs approved for those who qualify for a WIA training voucher, or additional unemployment insurance benefits through the Training Benefits Program.

...assists workers who are "dislocated" when they lose their job and are unlikely to return to their usual occupation or industry due to a plant closure, mass layoffs, foreign competition, or lack of demand for their skills. A worker can be "dislocated" if they are self-employed, but the economy or a natural disaster has put them out of work, such as farmers, ranchers, or people who fish for a living. A displaced homemaker who is either unemployed or working in a job that does not support the family may also be an eligible "dislocated worker".

There are many services available to dislocated workers, (although funding may be limited in some locations or at some times of the year). Services include job referrals, job search workshops (including internet job search training), skills assessment, free phones, fax, computers, and photocopiers to help in the job search, transportation assistance, job search childcare, relocation assistance, tools, uniforms and supplies required for the new job as well as tuition and other assistance to retrain in a new occupation.

For more information, contact the WorkSource Center or Affiliate near you.

...offers help to workers whose companies have been directly or indirectly impacted as a result of trade with Canada or Mexico, known as primary and secondary firms, respectively. Primary firms are those which either import production from Canada or Mexico, shift production to Mexico and Canada or are adversely affected by trade with Canada or Mexico. Secondary firms are those which supply materials to primary firms and/or assemble or finish products of primary firm. Family farmers and farm workers that do not meet the group eligibility requirement are also considered under the procedures for secondary firms.

For more information, contact the WorkSource Center or Affiliate near you.

...is a federal entitlement program. The program provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA offers a variety of benefits and reemployment services to assist unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support and other reemployment services.

The Department of Labor issues a Certification Regarding Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance if the workers have been totally or partially laid off, and sales or productions have declined, and increased imports have contributed importantly to worker layoffs. Once the U.S. Department of Labor issues a Certification Regarding Eligibility, trade affected workers may apply for benefits under the TAA program.

...is Washington State's welfare reform program that helps financially struggling families find jobs, keep their jobs, get better jobs and build a better life for their children. WorkFirst is the state's major public assistance program providing cash benefits and service to low-income families with children.

WorkFirst replaces Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). The focus of the WorkFirst program is a job for every TANF recipient who can work. WorkSource provides effective services to help participants become employed as quickly as possible and advance toward economic independence.

TheWorkfirst Website contains general information "About WorkFirst" as well as more specific information for different groups who have an interest in WorkFirst, such as employers, staff and program participants.

...combine classroom studies with on-the-job training. VisitApprenticeship Website for information about apprenticeships in Washington State.

... targets services to welfare recipients who will have the most difficulty transitioning into employment. Congress established WtW in 1997 to complement services provided to recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

WtW enhances WorkFirst by providing the funding and the flexibility to reach out to those TANF recipients who will have the most difficulty getting jobs. It is a comprehensive program offering a full array of work-based training, support services and post employment services to both the custodial and non-custodial parent.

To be eligible for WtW services, you must be along-term (30-month) recipient of TANF assistance, or if you are within 12 months of becoming ineligible for TANF due to time limits, or if you have exhausted your receipt of TANF due to time limits. A non-custodial parent may qualify in some cases. Please contact your local WorkSource center for more information.

The Washington Service Corps challenges thousands of young adults with hundreds of opportunities to get things done by addressing critical needs in their local communities. The Washington Service Corps (WSC) was created by the state legislature to provide young adults with opportunities to serve their communities.

The WSC assists private non-profit organizations and units of local government in addressing unmet community needs and providing young adults with meaningful service experiences. The WSC works in partnership with hundreds of sponsor agencies across the state to engage the talents, energy and enthusiasm of thousands of young adults who have provided millions of hours of valuable service. Through creative partnerships with community-based agencies, local governments, economic development groups, school districts and non-profit organizations, the Service Corps leverages substantial local investments which strengthen the statewide ethic of service. Washington Service Corps website

Felony offenders receive employment and training services through Corrections Clearinghouse. Corrections Clearinghouse helps offenders secure and maintain employment in order to increase the education and employability skills of offenders as an alternative to criminal behavior by allowing them to be better able to compete in the job market. CCH coordinates the development of pilot projects that benefit public and private agencies, offenders and the community. CCH also administers and operates job readiness and transition to employment programs in adult and juvenile facilities and in the community.

For more information, call the local service provider in your area.