Jobs and Job Training

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Looking for work while life feels hard takes real courage. I'm proud of you for taking this step. Washington has job centers in every region, training programs, and money help while you look.

Here's the easy first step: if you lost your job, apply for unemployment with the Employment Security Department. Then visit a WorkSource center near you for job search help, computers and training.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

WorkSource Washington is the statewide network of job centers, run by the Employment Security Department and local partners. Staff help with job searches, resumes, interviews, computers, training and hiring events.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.worksourcewa.com/

• Find a WorkSource center near you on worksourcewa.com, or ask 211.
• WorkSourceWA.com also lists jobs across the state.
• Many centers have help in languages other than English. Ask.

How do I apply for unemployment?

The Employment Security Department (ESD) runs unemployment insurance in Washington. If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you may qualify for weekly payments while you look for work.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://esd.wa.gov/

• Apply online through your ESD account. Apply as soon as you lose your job, because benefits usually start from the week you apply.
• After you apply, you need to file a weekly claim and meet job search requirements, unless ESD tells you otherwise.
• If you're denied, you can ask to appeal. Read the decision letter for the deadline.
• Watch out for scams. ESD will never ask for your password by text.

BUNKLY TIP

File your weekly claim on time

Set a weekly reminder on your phone to file your unemployment claim. Missing a week can delay your payments!

Can I get help paying for training?

Yes, often. Washington has several programs that help pay for training and school.

• Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET). If you get Basic Food, BFET can help pay for tuition, books and other support at community and technical colleges and partner organizations. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/basic-food-employment-training
• WorkFirst. If you get TANF, WorkFirst helps with job search, training and support services like child care. Ask DSHS. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• Worker Retraining. Community and technical colleges offer Worker Retraining for people who lost their jobs or are getting unemployment.
• Washington College Grant. Washington's grant for students with low and middle incomes, for college, apprenticeships and job training. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wsac.wa.gov/wcg
• WIOA programs. WorkSource can tell you about federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act training money for adults, dislocated workers and youth.

What about apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships let you earn a paycheck while you learn a skilled trade, like electrical work, carpentry, plumbing or health care. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) oversees registered apprenticeships in Washington.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://lni.wa.gov/

• Ask WorkSource about pre apprenticeship programs that help you get ready.
• The Washington College Grant can help with some apprenticeship costs.

Every application is a step forward. Keep going. The right door will open.

From the Bunklow team

What are my rights at work in Washington?

• Minimum wage. Washington sets a statewide minimum wage each year, and some cities like Seattle and Tacoma have higher local minimums. L&I posts the current rate. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/
• Paid sick leave. Most Washington workers earn at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/
• Breaks and overtime. Most workers get rest breaks and meal periods, and overtime pay after 40 hours a week.
• Wage complaints. If you weren't paid what you're owed, you can file a wage complaint with L&I.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave. If you need time off for a serious health condition, a new child or to care for family, Washington's program may pay part of your wages. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://paidleave.wa.gov/

What if I have a criminal record?

• Washington's Fair Chance Act has rules about when employers can ask about criminal records. Check the Attorney General's page for the details. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/fair-chance-act
• Some records can be vacated or sealed. Washington Law Help has guides about clearing your record. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/
• WorkSource and reentry programs can help you find employers who hire people with records.

What if I have a disability?

The DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities get ready for, find and keep jobs. Services can include job coaching, training and assistive technology.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr

• The Department of Services for the Blind helps people who are blind or have low vision. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://dsb.wa.gov/
• You can ask an employer for a reasonable accommodation. The Washington State Human Rights Commission takes complaints about disability discrimination at work. Call 800.233.3247.

BUNKLY TIP

Practice your answers

Practice answering "Tell me about yourself" out loud before an interview. A friend or WorkSource staff can help!

Help for young workers

• Youth employment programs through WorkSource help people ages 16 to 24 with jobs and training.
• Job Corps offers training and housing for young people ages 16 to 24. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/
• Teens under 18 need a work permit from their employer and parent permission for many jobs, and there are limits on hours during school. L&I has the rules. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/
• See Guide 10 for more help for young people.

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

BUNKLY TIP

Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My job search plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

BUNKLY TIP

Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026