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Worker Retraining

In response to dramatic changes in structure of Washington’s economy, the layoffs of thousands of workers in major industries, and the long-term need for training programs for Washington citizens, the legislature enacted the Workforce Employment and Training Act in 1993.

As a result of this legislation, colleges created Worker Retraining programs that have served over 100,000 unemployed and dislocated workers in Washington. This law has significantly expanded the training available to the thousands of jobless workers who need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce.

Services

Tuition, fees, and books for one quarter only
Support service money (short term transportation, tool, childcare) available on a limited basis
Scheduling, completion and retention advising
Career & labor market information
Job readiness assistance

Eligibility

Students must meet income eligibility, one or more of the following eligibility criteria, and be enrolled in a Workforce program of study (these are all degrees and certificates that are NOT in an Academic Transfer pathway).

Other eligibility criteria includes:

Please call for other qualifying criteria.

Self Employed

Individual (farmer, rancher, etc.) who is currently unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides within the last 48 months.

Displaced Homemaker

For individual who has been providing unpaid services to a family member(s) in the home within the past 60 months (24 month extension may be given for domestic violence) and who has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income; due to spousal or partner loss of income, divorce or separation and has not been gainfully employed since.

Vulnerable Worker

An individual who is currently employed and requires retaining. Individuals must meet two of the following three criteria:

Individual is employed in an occupation that is listed as “not in demand” on the regions Demand-Decline List
Individual has not reached the “tipping point” defined as one year (45 credits) AND a certificate or degree related to their college course work
Individuals unable to meet new skill standards of current employment without retraining

Stop Gap Employment

Stop-gap employment is work an individual accepts only because they have been laid off of work or otherwise terminated from Employment due to no fault of their own, from the customary work for which their training, experience or work history qualifies them. Stop-gap employment must be temporary in nature or employment that falls below the self-sufficiency needs of the individual. A loss of income due to a reduction in hours through the loss of job related responsibilities may also be considered Stop Gap Employment as well as temporary positions. This event must have occurred within the past five years.

How to Apply for Worker Retraining

Complete a Workforce Eligibility Survey
Contact your campus’ Worker Retraining specialist to set up an appointment to review your Eligibility Survey.
Submit copies of the following documents:
- Driver’s License
- Proof of Income (if applicable)
- Educational Plan
- Other documents as requested

Walla Walla Campus

Brenda Dehonor
Program Assistant, Worker Retraining
509.529.1113
[email protected]

Clarkston Campus

Marci Nixon
Clarkston Student Services, Worker Retraining
509-751-4078
[email protected]