Resources for Employment and Unemployment for Issaquah & Sammamish
WorkSource:
Join Us for Career Transition Training Workshops/Funding for EducationSign Up Sept 16, 2025 Join us for the Career Transition Retraining workshop. Learn more about the tools and resources there are for exploring career transitions, and what training and educational options there are to ease the transition. This is an in-person meeting
WorkSource North Seattle Career Fair Sept 18, 2025 Recruiters from many organizations will be onsite to answer questions and provide tips to help you apply.
Find Many More Workshops on WorkSource Calendar
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
Hopelink: CDL Driver Interviews Sept 10, 2025 11am - 3pm Hopelink Redmond Center
No experience needed, paid training available. Earn a $4,500 new hire incentive! Bring a valid WA driver’s license and driver’s abstract from last 30 days. Being a Hopelink DART driver is about so much more than just driving. It’s an opportunity to build a stable career with dependable pay, develop lifelong skills, make a difference in your community, and be a part of a workplace passionate about supporting others. From paid Commercial Driver License (CDL) training to excellent pay and benefits, applying to become a driver with Hopelink is a direct route to a career you can count on for years to come – and have fun along the way. Learn more HERE
KCLS: WorkSource: Job and Resume Assistance View all dates Renton
Stop by the WorkSource table in the library for assistance with your resume, preparing for interviews, finding job fairs or exploring your career options. Registration not required.
KCLS: Adult Literacy View all dates Renton Highlands
Explore basic literacy skills, including reading, writing, and understanding simple texts. Whether you're just starting your literacy journey or looking to strengthen foundational skills, this program offers a supportive and engaging environment to build confidence and competence. For adults. Registration not required.
CareerWork$ 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.
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.
Edmonds College: Solid Foundation Online Class
Join us to learn 5 key steps to MANAGE LIFE more effectively so you can minimize stress, anxiety, obligation, guilt, shame, and fear so you can focus on your goals and aspirations. Offered: April 14 - 18, 2025 9am to 1pm Monday - Friday ** May 12 - 16, 2025 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm NIGHT SESSION Monday - Friday ** June 9 - 13, 2025 9am to 1pm Monday - Friday. REGISTER HERE
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: Programs Available
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
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.
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. We are here to help you find other services in the community to develop your digital skills! 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 and English For Work Program
English for Work Program: Registration open through Fri, Aug. 22 Classes: Mon, Sept. 22 – Fri, Dec. 5 Contact us at english@hopelink.org or (425)-250-3007 if you have any questions. We’re offering a 6-week English for Work Foundations class this summer to help intermediate-level students prepare for the 10-week English for Work class in the fall. This class is ideal for students who want an introduction to job interview skills, need to review basic grammar and vocabulary, do not yet have a resume in English, and need to develop basic computer skills. For more information about our Adult Education Programs visit our website here!
Beginner English Classes Registration open through Fri, Sept. 5 Classes: Mon, Sept. 22 – Fri, Dec. 5. In our Beginner English course, students learn: English letters and numbers, How to read and write in English, Vocabulary that is useful in daily life. Students may spend three (3) months to about one (1) year in the program, depending on their learning needs. We are offering class on Zoom for students with literacy-level and beginner-level English skills (ESL levels 0-2).
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.
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
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
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.
Some Local Job Opportunities
Connections Health Centers: We are HIRING!Job Listings at Connections Health Solutions (icims.com)
Renton Technical College Open Positions can be found HERE
Hopelink Opportunities:
hosting open interviews for CDL Drivers. No experience necessary, paid training available, earn a $4500 new hire incentive! Visit our Careers page for the full job description and to apply onlinehttps://www.hopelink.org/drive-for-hopelink/
Community Van Drivers needed! Do you know someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity in your community? Community Van is a great way to give back—on your schedule. Hopelink operates Community Van in the following jurisdictions: Redmond, Sammamish, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park, Snoqualmie Valley, Tukwila. Send interested folks to our website for more info, or straight to the King County Metro Community Van Driver application!
Hopelink Senior Manager - Mobility Find a Ride Full Time Regular Management Redmond This position oversees Mobility Management's multi-county One-Call/One-Click program, Find a Ride. The Sr. Manager is responsible for the ongoing maintenance, engagement, and implementation of this visionary program. The Sr. Manager advocates for those who need transportation, facilitates discussion, teaches, connects, and partners with organizations to champion transportation solutions. The ideal candidate will be resourceful, self-motivated, and possess an enterprising spirit and passion for making an impact in the local community.
Mobility Specialist - Volunteer Transportation (Community Van) This position will assist the Mobility Team and project partners in the development and implementation of King County Metro's Community Van Program, offered in partnership with Hopelink Mobility Management, which currently serves Snoqualmie Valley, Redmond, Sammamish, Tukwila, and Shoreline/Lake Forest Park. The ideal candidate will be resourceful, self-motivated, and possess a passion and interest in making an impact in the local community. Regular Full-TimeClerical
A Supportive Community For All is hiring
Human Services Director to help lead our growing team and deepen our impact in the Snoqualmie Valley. The position pays $80,000/year and is a great fit for someone with strong leadership skills and a commitment to equity in human services.
Recruiting for a Spanish-speaking case manager Case Managers work directly with individuals and families, providing strengths-based, person-centered support in partnership with a wide network of local service providers.
Details and job postings are on our website: https://asupportivecommunityforall.org/get-involved/