BSK: Applications open Feb. 10 for the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost! Closes March 7, 2025

Starting February 10, child care facilities in King County can apply to be a part of the Best Starts for Kids Child Care Wage Boost Pilot. Eligible workers at selected facilities will be issued quarterly payments to increase their income through 2027.  Applications will go live on the Best Starts Wage Boost Pilot Website here!  Full-time workers who receive the wage boost can receive up to $2,080 quarterly. Part-time workers who receive the wage boost can receive up to $1,040 quarterly.  The Pilot is providing immediate investment to select workers to recognize their vital role in our community while gathering evidence to inform how on-going government investments benefit the child care sector, workers, families, and the community.   Through the Wage Boost Pilot, $25 million will be distributed to about 1,400 workers. And over the course of the Pilot, evaluators will study the impact of the wage boost on worker well-being, employee retention, and quality of care.  

KCLS: WorkSource: Job and Resume Assistance Mon, March 17, 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.

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.

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!

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

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

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