Resources for Employment and Unemployment for Issaquah & Sammamish
King County: New YouthWorks Program for Summer 2026
Executive Girmay Zahilay announced a new program called YouthWorks, offering more than 200 paid internships and volunteer positions to King County residents aged 16 to 24, this summer. Paid positions range from about $21 to $38 an hour, depending on the role. Twelve county departments worked together to build what officials call the county’s first centralized platform for youth employment. Jobs and internship opportunities span public safety, public health, environmental services, and recreation, with placements located throughout King County. Some roles qualify for academic credit or paid stipends.
WorkSource: Find Complete List of Workshops on WorkSource Calendar
WorkSource North Seattle Career Fair -Thursday, June 18th, 2026 1:30 - 4pm This is a great time and place to talk to Recruiters that are currently hiring that will answer your questions and provide tips to help you get hired. Research the employers listed to see all the positions they are hiring for. Please complete the registration form and mark this event on your calendar. We look forward to seeing you.
Connecting Mature workers to Opportunity & Support June 24th, 2026, Wednesday 11:00am - 12:00pm Online Join the Email List Here
Mature Workers Where Experience Meets New Possibilities June 26, 2026 In Person Redmond Together Center Today’s job market is changing fast, but your experience is still one of the most valuable assets an employer can find. This workshop is designed to help mature workers strengthen their career toolkit, update their job‑search strategies, and step into new opportunities with confidence.
Anew FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION CLASSES Starting June 29, 2026 Your first step to earning your Forklift Operator Certification is to take ANEW’s one-day forklift training course! The training consists of three elements: formal training (general, classroom-type), practical training (hands-on, driving), and a written test evaluating the operator’s understanding. The employment opportunities for Forklift Operators in the Seattle area are endless. Typically, Forklift Operators are employed by manufacturing, shipping, construction, and warehouse companies. They work at factories, construction sites, warehouses, and other storage spaces to transport heavy cargo. Forklift Operators typically inspect goods, lift heavy materials onto pallets and secure them with cord or packaging, stack merchandise, and count inventory. ELIGIBILITY: To qualify for this free training, you must: - be receiving SNAP benefits. - NOT be receiving TANF benefits. - be 18 years or older.
FOURBLOCK - Veteran Career Readiness In person, Seattle Tuesdays. The Veteran Career Readiness Program Information Session is the required first step for veterans and military spouses who are ready to move forward with intention, structure, and real career momentum. This program is selective, cohort-based, and it fills up. This is not an overview for casual interest - it’s for veterans who are ready to invest in their next chapter.
WorkSource: Job and Resume Assistance KCLS Renton View all dates 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.
Unemployment Benefits Support: Learn how to apply and navigate the process, Available in multiple languages: Arabic, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya, Pashto, Urdu, Farsi, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian, English. Call 206-443-9999 to speak with a navigator
The Circle: Lunch & Learn: Quick Guide to Workers’ Rights [ARABIC] June 26, 2026
Enjoy a delicious lunch, connect with community resources, and ask questions in a supportive space. Learn about wages, sick leave, workplace safety, discrimination protection, and what to do if you or your family have problems at work.
The Circle: Employment at Issaquah School District Workshop [SPANISH] July 1, 2026
This is an informative session regarding employment opportunities within the Issaquah School District (ISD 411). During this event, we will provide detailed information on current job openings, including position duties and qualification requirements. We will also provide a step-by-step walk through of the online application process and answer any questions you may have about the district's hiring system.
The Circle: Employment at Issaquah School District Workshop [ENGLISH] July 2, 2026
This is an informative session regarding employment opportunities within the Issaquah School District (ISD 411). During this event, we will provide detailed information on current job openings, including position duties and qualification requirements. We will also provide a step-by-step walk through of the online application process and answer any questions you may have about the district's hiring system
The Circle: Workplace Injuries [ENGLISH] July 6, 2026
Join us for a welcoming and informative workshop about workplace injuries and L&I rights in Washington State. Learn what to do after a workplace injury, how L&I claims work, available medical and wage benefits, worker protections, and what steps to take if you experience problems with your claim or employer. This session is open to all community members and no prior knowledge is needed.
The Circle: Workplace Injuries [SPANISH] July 7, 2026
Join us for an informative and welcoming workshop on workplace injuries and workers’ rights under Washington State’s Labor & Industries (L&I) system. Learn what to do after a workplace injury, how L&I claims work, the medical and wage-loss benefits that may be available, important worker protections, and the steps you can take if you encounter problems with your claim or employer. This session is open to all community members, and no prior knowledge is required.
Disability Empowerment Center: Summer Program: Preparing students with disabilities for life after high school
We’re excited to announce a summer session for teens and young adults with disabilities in King County! We are an authorized provider of Pre-Employment Transition Services (sometimes called Pre-ETS) in King County. Our fun, interactive and accessible lessons are designed for students ages 14-22 with an IEP, 504 plan or any documented disability. Services are provided at no cost to eligible students. Our summer 2026 session will include: - Getting a Job — Learn about job hunting, interviewing, arranging accommodations and more - Financial Literacy — We’ll cover budgeting, saving and investing. Dates: July 27, 29 & 31, from 10 a.m. - noon (Getting a Job) and Aug. 10, 12 & 14, from 10 a.m. - noon (Financial Literacy). Location: Together Center, 16305 N.E. 87th St. #113, Redmond. How to register for this session: Sign up through the Department of Social and Health Services / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Holly Montana: 206-909-8897 or holly.montana@dshs.wa.gov For questions about the summer session: Jennifer Romer: 1-866-545-7055 or jennifer@disabilityempowerment.org
Goodwill Renton: Adult Basic Education Classes
Check website for King County and Renton classes offered through the year. Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes and workshops are taught at each of our five Job Training and Education Centers and focus on preparing adults for today’s workplace. ABE classes teach students the basic skills needed to be competitive and connect them with rewarding job opportunities.
Sound Transit Internships now open - Summer 2026
Sound Transit is offering paid summer internships for students and recent graduates interested in transportation, engineering, planning, IT, communications, and more. Interns gain hands-on experience working on real transit projects, receive mentorship and professional development, and earn competitive pay ($22–$39/hour) along with a free ORCA transit pass. These internships provide valuable career experience while helping improve regional transit service across the Puget Sound area. Visit Sound Transit’s job board to view current openings
Hopelink GED Program and English For Work Program
English for Work Program: Summer EFW-IA Registration Orientation Dates: July 6, 8, 9 | Classes: July 20-August 20 The five-week course focuses on preparing students to get a job and succeed in a diverse workplace through learning how to build meaningful connections with others and engage in the local community. According to a recent survey of 1,000 working adults in the U.S, 54% got a job through a personal or professional connection. Developing relationships with others is essential! This summer course is for adults with intermediate and advanced level English language skills who are preparing to get a job in the U.S. Class schedule: 2 days per week. In-person and Online options available. Contact us for details. We will continue our typical English for Work programming in fall 2026. Our core classes will be on Zoom and students will learn to write a resume, search for jobs, and do job interviews.
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.
Employment and Vocational Training - The ReWA LEP Career Pathway Program encompasses employment, training, Computer Basics Workshops, ESL, and life skills services. Its overarching objective is to facilitate stable employment opportunities for refugees and immigrants participating in the program, thereby paving the way for a seamless integration experience for the entire family.
PIE empowers newly arrived refugees and immigrants in King County to achieve lasting economic independence by delivering tailored support in language acquisition, housing stability, workforce entry, and pathways to higher‑wage careers.
YWCA: Programs Available
Jan 2026: Are you in need of an intern? The Community Jobs Program can help! • Interns work for 20 hours/week for up to 9 months • The YWCA pays intern wages and provides support to the intern and worksite • Interns can be hired as regular staff . Community Jobs clients are receiving TANF and referred by DSHS. Participants have a wide range of professional experience, skills and education. Positions cannot be a replacement for staff that were laid off or otherwise replace a paid staff position but as an enhancement to your workforce.
CareerWork$ Ready 2025 Dates: Sept 8, Oct 27. Free 3-week online job preparation course. 4 days per week, 2.5 hours per day via Zoom. Focus on resume writing, interview skills, and professional presence. Multiple 2025 sessions available throughout the year. Find more information HERE & Schedule HERE
BankWork$:2025 Dates: Sept 22. BankWork$ is a FREE, online/hybrid, interactive class that prepares you for a stable and advancement-oriented career in the financial industry. Participants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, be fluent in written and spoken English, possess basic computer skills, and have cash handling experience. Find more information HERE & Schedule HERE
PharmacyWork$: 2025 Dates: Aug 26, 2025 is a free, online job readiness training created in response to help meet the needs of today’s workforce and the need to help job seekers reenter the workforce. PharmacyWork$ is designed to help job seekers access critical job opportunities currently available and to prepare for the jobs that are in high demand and growing to meet the needs of today’s workforce. The program consists of a 5-week course offered completely online using Zoom and focused on preparing students to enter the pharmacy field and to pursue certification including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Fine more information HERE
Lake Washington Institute of Technology: Worker Retraining
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) offers a Worker Retraining program for unemployed individuals who are receiving or have exhausted unemployment insurance within the last 48 months. The program provides financial assistance for training through Commissioner Approved Training (CAT)/Training Benefits (TB).
Our short-term training classes are designed to give individuals the lifelong skills that will help them find gainful employment opportunities. Forklift Certification: This 2-week course will prepare you to obtain your 3-year OSHA forklift certification card. You will learn a variety of skills and receive hands-on training that you can use within your role as a forklift operator. Warehouse Distribution This 2-week course will prepare you for work within a warehouse setting. You will learn various elements of what it is like to be a warehouse associate. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of training preparing you for your new role. Computer/Customer Service This 2-week course will provide valuable computer and customer service skills that you can implement within any career. You will receive technology skills as well as soft skills for navigating any work environment. CPR & First Aid This 4-hour class will prepare you for various safety and emergency situations that may arise in any setting. At the end of this class, you will receive a 2-year CPR/First Aid card through the American Red Cross. Employment Services From the moment an individual steps into our office, they are assigned an employment specialist who is there to assist them in achieving their goals as it relates to employment. Our approach is individualized and designed to meet individuals where they are at. Here is what you can expect from our employment services: Resume Creation & Development, Interview Skills & Techniques, Job Search assistance & Leads. Please visit our website for eligibility information, as Individuals MUST qualify under certain programs to receive training and employment services.
Arc of King County: Digital Literacy Trainings
Would you like support learning how to use tech? Do you know someone who might? The Arc has free digital training designed for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. You can access it any time. Online classes are in plain language to support different learning styles and access needs. Things You Can Learn: -How to get started with computers, mobile devices, and video calls -How to navigate websites and search engines -Online safety, passwords, fraud, and scams -And more
KCLS: Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Information Desk Bellevue View all dates
Get information on Labor & Industries (L&I) programs and services with a specialist. All languages welcome. If needed, you will be connected to interpreter services. Topics include: workers' rights (wages. breaks, paid sick leaves, file complaints), claims for injured workers, workplace safety, benefits for crime victims, small business information, Sponsored by the Washington Department of Labor and & Industries Community Relations. Registration not required. Walk-ins welcome.
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.
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? Contactvolunteer@friendsofyouth.org for more info!
KCLS: Programs Available
Earn a Certification from HomeAre 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
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.
GCF LearnFree.org Take free online classes. Topics include: * technology * work * core skills * reading * math * languages * and more.
The Warp 1 Tech Learning Program is a flexible 1-to-4-week online experience designed to help learners build essential skills in today’s most in-demand fields: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics. Each topic lasts one week—allowing you to focus on a single subject or complete all four for a month-long, comprehensive tech training journey. Led by industry professionals, Warp 1 offers practical instruction and mentorship to help you advance your technical career or start your path into the tech industry.
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.
The Hopelink Employment Program Closed May 30, 2025
We’re sorry that we cannot accept any new clients as the program closed May 30, 2025. Please refer to additional employment resources on our webpage for other options to meet your needs. We wish you the best!
Hopelink’s Digital Skills program is closed. Local libraries offer free access to computers and resources for developing technology skills. See below for opportunities from the King County Library System, and Seattle Public Libraries.
Hopelink GED Program Closed May 30, 2025
GED/High School+ Hopelink’s GED/High School+ program ended May 30, 2025, and we are not accepting new students. Please see our webpage for a list of other programs and resources available in our community. There are options for earning your GED and for earning your high school diploma through a program called “High School+” (High School Plus). If you have questions about finding a program that is a good fit for you, please complete the contact form below.
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
Need help paying for college? Bellevue College Workforce Education offers grants for tuition, books, and transportation! You may qualify if you receive SNAP/EBT, TANF, unemployment benefits, or are considered low-income. Join their info session every Tuesday at 2:30pm on Zoom. Office: | 425-564-4054. Email: workforce-ed@bellevuecollege.edu
Bellevue College Continuing Education Winter 2025 Updates
The College will close the Tombolo Institute at the end of the fall quarter this year. In addition, Continuing Education will no longer offer professional education and technology non-credit courses and certificates. If you are currently enrolled in a non-credit certificate program, there is no impact.
We will also scale down our offerings and focus on what the community wants and needs: personal enrichment, languages, and our TELOS Lifelong Learners 55+ program. We will be providing support for students who may be impacted by these changes.
With that said, Continuing Education Winter Registration is Now Open and we invite you to explore more than 60 Bellevue College Continuing Education Winter Personal Enrichment, TELOS Lifelong Learners (55+), and World Language courses. We hope you find something that inspires you to learn something new in 2026!
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)
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.
2024 Construction Apprenticeship Guidebook
Are you considering a career in construction? Then you have come to the right place. We need trained professionals to build structures like our homes, offices, high-rises, roads and bridges. These projects are essential to our everyday life and need hundreds of workers trained in more than 20 different building trades. Building trades (also called crafts) include laborers, ironworkers, cement masons, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, plumbers, sheet metal workers, painters and many more. This book will help you get started down the pathway to become one of these skilled professionals. You do not need construction skills to get started; the professionals will teach you what you need to know. If you need English language classes to help prepare you for training, see the English Language Learning Opportunities section of the book.
DSHS: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
People with disabilities can work with DVR to get a job and learn about job options. DVR offers tools, services, and support. DVR has offices all over Washington state and has been a community partner for more than 80 years. As of March 17, 2025, individuals determined eligible in priority categories 3, 4, and 5 will be placed on a waiting list. * Priority category 1 and 2 are open continuously (no waiting). * Priority category 3, 4, and 5 are closed (waiting list). Services We Provide:
We provide individualized vocational rehabilitation counseling, employment services and supports to people with disabilities who want to work, but face substantial barriers in finding meaningful and sustained employment.
We provide technical assistance and training to businesses regarding the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities.
The Unemployment Law Project (ULP) advocates for workers in Washington State to advance their economic security during periods of unemployment. The ULP also pursues legislative, regulatory, and policy changes to hold government agencies and employers accountable, thereby strengthening equitable practices for unemployed workers. With offices in Seattle and Spokane, Washington, we offer our services to anyone with a Washington State claim.
King County Energize – Family Home Childcares Program
We’re excited to announce the 2026 launch of Energize – Family Home Child Cares! This program is open to licensed family home child cares, operated out of single-family homes, in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. If selected for the program, King County provides program participants with a combination of the following installations, depending on the building’s needs: - Heat pumps for high efficiency space heating and cooling - Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation (also known as weatherization) to improve energy efficiency, health, and comfort - Heat pump water heaters for low-cost water heating - Induction cookstoves. King County will manage all installations, including covering the costs of equipment and materials, and hiring and paying contractors. This is not a grant program. Apply Online . To learn more, check out the Energize – Family Home Child Cares website, and sign up to join an upcoming information session (online):
Some Local Job Opportunities
Logistics Coordinator to Create a Trusted Leaders Network for the Crisis Care Centers Initiative: A new RFP is now open seeking a Logistics Coordinator to help launch King County’s Trusted Leaders Network, a key part of the Crisis Care Centers initiative’s commitment to community. This coordinator position and network are key parts of a robust oversight and accountability foundation that King County is building to help ensure the new crisis system is shaped by the people who use it, honors community priorities and meets the community’s needs. DCHS received extensive community feedback about the importance of centering health equity and creating ongoing opportunities to participate in defining and measuring the initiative’s success. Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2026