Resources for Employment and Unemployment for Issaquah & Sammamish
WorkSource: Unemployment Benefits and Training Tues, April 8, 2025, 2 – 4pm Online
Are you receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and planning to attend a full-time training program? There is much to know about going to school and remaining eligible for your UI benefits. This workshop will provide information needed to make an informed decision and complete the Commissioner Approved Training and/or Training Benefits applications. This is vital information for those who plan to attend school/training while collecting UI. WorkSource services are available to all registered customers. Have you ever served in the military or are you the spouse of a veteran? Click here to learn more about benefits that are available to you.
KCLS: WorkSource: Job and Resume Assistance Mon, April 14, 10:00am–12:00pm View all dates Renton
Stop by the WorkSource table in the library for assistance with your resume, preparing for interviews, finding job fairs or exploring your career options. Registration not required.
Renton Technical College: Office Assistant Online Class April 21 to June 24
Students are prepared for entry-level careers in the office occupations and college pathways. You may enroll in four courses (ASST 105, ASST 115, ASST 144, ASST 181) to earn a certificate or you have the option to pick from any of the courses to gain essential skills to succeed in college and in the workplace. Keyboarding and Document Processing Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Business Math Human Relations and Job Search Online Program | Online Daily Eligibility: open to all students, Running Start, TANF, BFET, Worker Retraining, low income
Hopelink: Free Basic English Classes Starting April 15, 2025 Register TODAY!
Do you want to learn... English letters and numbers? How to read and write in English? Basic English conversations? And more? Join this free class for beginners! Attend class three days per week on the Internet via Zoom; borrow a Hopelink computer if needed. Learn to speak, listen, read, and write in English. Develop basic digital skills such as typing and using Zoom. Prepare to get a job or enroll in English language classes at a local college. For more information, contact us at 425-250-3007 or English@hopelink.org. We have access to language interpretation services. We prioritize serving refugees who arrived in Washington State on or after July 1, 2021. Flyers in multiple languages—including Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Dari, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese—are available on our webpage
Partner in Employment: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WORKSHOP REGISTRATION April 17, ,2025 2-4pm In Person, Seatac
Partner in Employment is hosting a vital "Know Your Rights" workshop designed to educate community members about critical workplace protections and labor rights. This community education workshop, supported by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards, covers essential topics including wage theft prevention, paid sick leave, secure scheduling protections, domestic worker rights, minimum wage requirements, and commuter benefits. The workshop is being held at their SEATAC location (19530 International Blvd S. #108) and aims to empower workers with knowledge to protect themselves from workplace violations. Interested participants can contact Caesar Robinson at julius@partnerinemployment.org
WA Employment Security Dept: webinars set for federal workers to learn about Washington benefits and reemployment
The Employment Security Department will cohost three no-cost webinars in March, April and May for federal workers who work and live in Washington state. The webinars are intended to help federal workers who were laid off, facing a furlough or expecting a workforce reduction. The information will help affected workers navigate available unemployment benefits and reemployment resources. Topics will include: Unemployment benefits, how to file and any assistance needs. * What to do about health care benefits. * Expanding your job skills through training and educational programs. * Career guidance, job search assistance, and other resources at no cost. The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are a collaboration of state and local agencies and programs that provide support to those who have lost their jobs or facing the potential of workforce reductions. Partners include Employment Security, WorkSource, Local Workforce Development Boards, Washington Health Plan Finder, Washington State Community & Technical Colleges and Washington State Labor Council. Registration is open for all three upcoming sessions:
KCLS: Puget Sound Training Center View all dates Renton
Drop in to learn about free employment services and skills training programs provided by Puget Sound Training Center. Registration not required.
KCLS: Drop-In Employment Help Desk View all dates Issaquah
Receive one-on-one support from a professional Hopelink Employment Specialist on resume building, cover letters, job search strategies, interview preparation and more. Ages 18 and older. First come, first served.
Highline College Pre-Nursing Cohort
Receive paid tuition, free laptop, assistance with academic plan, peer support and access to tutoring center. Check flyer for eligibility.
Washington State Ferries is offering scholarships that cover ALL credential costs for maritime careers.
This scholarship specifically includes formerly incarcerated youth and those involved in the justice system, but many others are eligible as well so please share. The information flyer and application are attached. The scholarship is available until May 16, 2025, with over 50 scholarships to be awarded. Early applications are encouraged! What's Covered: - Transportation Worker ID Card (TWIC) - Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) - Required physical examination - Drug screening - ALL fees associated with getting started. Please see the flyer for application instructions. Questions? Call (360) 480-4759 or send them an email at maritimetradeprep@wsdot.wa.gov
Friends of Youth: Job Club @ Willows Youth Services Center in Kirkland
Every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:30pm, Leslie Nelson, Friends of Youth’s Employment Case Manager, leads the Job Club in the library at Willows Youth Services Center. Leslie provides personalized guidance on essential skills like resume building, interview preparation, and workplace success strategies. Occasionally, she invites special guests to share insights about their careers, giving clients a firsthand look at various job opportunities. Leslie's approach is all about meeting clients where they are. Whether someone needs help finding interview attire or is seeking a referral through our partnerships with local businesses, she tailors her support to each individual's unique needs. Job Club is a supportive space and a steppingstone where clients can build confidence and gain the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. Interested in being a guest speaker? Contact volunteer@friendsofyouth.org for more info!
KCLS: Earn a Certification from Home
Are you ready to earn a software or technology skill certification while you’re at home from school or work? KCLS can connect you to proctored online certification exams offered by Certiport. Learn, practice, and prepare to get a certification at the King County Library System (KCLS). A certification is a great way to prove your skills in school or at work.
Adobe Certified Associate (ACA): Photoshop, InDesign
Business: Entrepreneurship and Small Business, QuickBooks Online
Digital Literacy: Internet Core Competency, Microsoft Certified Educator
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Python, Azure, HTML5
KCLS: Career Skills Series with Upwardly Global: Resumes Free video.
Career Skills Series with Upwardly Global: Resumes Learn the basics of resume building with KCLS and Upwardly Global. Upwardly Global (UpGlo) is a non-profit organization supporting immigrants and refugees entering the U.S. workforce.
KCLS: GCF LearnFree.org
Take free online classes. Topics include: * technology * work * core skills * reading * math * languages * and more.
Downtown Issaquah Association: Issaquah Job Resources
Local Job Openings During COVID-19 During this unprecedented time the following “essential” organizations are hiring and actively seeking support.
AtWork! is a supported employment agency, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to get good jobs, increase community connection, and successfully transition to life after high school. Since 1962, we’ve been advocating at the local, state, and federal level for supported employment opportunities. We’re passionate about creating integrated employment opportunities for the people we serve and are dedicated to successful outcomes for inclusive businesses.
IKRON (Integration of Knowledge and Resources for Occupational Needs) provides integrated quality behavioral health and employment services to the greater Seattle Area. Services that are available at IKRON include Employment Services, Behavioral Health, Transitional Youth Services, Health Home, and Integrated Care/PACT Services.
Free WorkSource Virtual Workshops for Job Seekers:
WorkSource hosts free virtual workshops for job seekers in multiple languages on topics such as financial capabilities, interviewing techniques, job-search strategies, perfecting applications, résumés and cover letters, skills and abilities analysis, strategies for success, and more. See all upcoming free workshops for job seekers in King County @ the WorkSource workshop calendar
The Hopelink Employment Program
provides one-on-one job coaching and meets with participants weekly. We can help with resumes, cover letters, job search strategies, career assessments and much more. Together, we will help with their employment goals. If your clients do not have a resume and/or would like to enroll in our job coaching program, please e-mail HEP@hopelink.org or call 425-250-3030 to see if they qualify for Hopelink’s Employment Program.
Worksource Connection Sites; Hopelink has formed an exciting partnership with WorkSource Washington to help support those seeking employment. WorkSource is a network of organizations focused on helping job seekers find rewarding employment, education, and training opportunities. WorkSource is the state’s one-stop workforce development system that supports those looking to excel and grow as working professionals. The WorkSource Connection Sites are walk-in centers at our Redmond and Sno-Valley locations during Market Hours. There are no eligibility requirements, and the program is free of charge. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email HEP@hopelink.org for more information.
Did you know Hopelink offers digital literacy support? Our Digital Skills program offers workshops, classes, and one-on-one support for adults to develop skills like keyboarding, using the internet, creating Word documents, using Zoom, and more! For more information, email digitalskills@hopelink.org.
Hopelink GED Program and English For Work Program
English for Work Program: Winter 2025 Information Winter 2025 classes are full. Spring 2025 Information: Registration and Testing February 10-April 4. Spring classes are April 14-June 20. FREE 10-week program for intermediate and advanced level students. Attend classes two times per week on Zoom; morning and evening options available. Participate in supplemental in-person classes on Fridays at Hopelink Redmond or Rainier Beach Branch- Seattle Public Library. Learning topics include resumes, job search, interviewing, and U.S. workplace. Program highlights: Students receive 1-on-1 career advising, write resumes, and do practice job interviews with local employers
GED/High School+ Orientation for winter quarter is scheduled for January 7, 4:30 – 6:30 PM. Class Information: Winter Quarter January 7 – March 27 Class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-7:00 PM at Hopelink’s Redmond Center (Address: 8990 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052). New students can contact ged@hopelink.org or 425-941-7004 to start the registration process. This program is free, and offers two pathways to earn a high school credential: GED and High School+ (HS+). GED students prepare for the science, social studies, math, and language arts GED tests. HS+ students complete assignments to earn high school credits. Students attend classes and have free access to one-on-one tutoring, learning materials, and college/career advising. Hopelink provides vouchers for GED practice tests and scholarships to pay for the official GED tests. We also have computers available for students to borrow and can provide bus tickets to help with transportation costs. You can also visit our webpage for more information. To enroll, students must: Need a GED or high school diploma * For the GED option: be at least 16 years old and not enrolled, or required to be enrolled in secondary school * For the High School+ option: be at least 18 years old and not enrolled, or required to be enrolled in secondary school * Attend class at Hopelink Redmond Center (Address: 8990 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052) * Not have a B1, B2, F1, M1, or J1 visa
ReWa English Classes
ReWA offers employment-related English classes (ESL, ELL) to help our clients transition to life in the U.S. and secure long-term employment. Our literacy program provides newcomers with a positive environment to help them gain and improve English language skills and break down the barriers to employment. Classes are online and in-person. Eligibility: Refugees, asylees, special immigrants from Afghanistan and Iraq, and TANF recipients.
Renton Technical College GED PREPARATION
The GED certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma. It will help you enter further education, meet eligibility requirements for financial aid, meet requirements for a job or promotion, or achieve personal goals. The GED can also be a gateway to a high school diploma. Course is online and self-paced. The fee is $25 per quarter (waivers are available). Email or call us at (206) 880-1704 for more information and registration forms. Anyone interested will be placed on a waitlist for Spring Quarter 2025 (starts April 7).
KCLS: Earn Your High School Diploma—Free through Your Library
Gain the skills you need to succeed through a flexible, supportive, online program. Earn an Accredited Diploma: Available by scholarship through select public libraries, Career Online High School (COHS) offers adults the opportunity to complete their high school education. Prepare for Career Success: Earn a career certificate as part of the program. Additionally, you’ll graduate with a resume, cover letter, and other tools to start or advance your career. Get Support Every Step of the Way: Your success is our top priority. You’ll have access to library staff, an academic coach, certified instructors, and technical support.
Bellevue College: Welcome to Workforce Education
Bellevue College Workforce Education Applications are Open! Winter quarter starts January 6th Bellevue College Workforce Education is currently accepting applications for their winter quarter that begins January 6. Learn more and apply here!
Workforce Education provides services to low-income or unemployed people to help them achieve their academic and career goals. They provide funding for tuition, fees, and potentially other costs like books and transportation for eligible students in approved programs of study.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology Worker Retraining Program
The Worker Retraining program at LWTech provides funding and support for eligible dislocated and unemployed workers in training or retraining that will assist them in regaining employment.
ReWA: Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) is an award-winning, nationally recognized nonprofit that provides holistic services to help refugee and immigrant women and families thrive
Employment Case Management and Job Readiness Training: Many refugees and immigrants arrive in the U.S. with limited job histories and non-transferable skills, making it difficult to find employment
Health Care Aide Training Program: ReWA offers FREE Home Care Aide training for refugees and immigrants! Use this entry-level certification to start a career in healthcare.
Worksource Connection: As a Worksource Connection site in King County, ReWA offers online access to WorkSource services. These services include, for example, online job search, job seeker resources, unemployment services, and tutorials on topics like resume writing and interviewing.
TRAC Associates JOB HELP FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM
TRAC Associates provides funding for training, help with job searches and résumé writing, work-related supplies, peer and group counseling, expungement services, and transportation. Services are available to King County residents who’ve been recently released, recently charged, or pre-released from the criminal legal system.
Unemployment Law Project: Recurring Webinar First Monday of the Month 12pm - 1pm
Answers to Questions About COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Please join us as we answer questions about how the Coronavirus is affecting unemployment benefits. This webinar is open to the general public. We will be taking questions from participants. First Monday of each month at 12:00 PM PT at https://bit.ly/webinar-ulp