Worker Retraining

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Preparing people for the workforce.

Worker Retraining Programs

Training programs and funding are available to eligible students who need to change careers in order to re-enter the workforce.

Worker Retraining is a state-funded program that provides job-related training and employment services to dislocated and unemployed workers to help them gain additional training in their field or to get started on a new career. Students may receive funding to help pay for retraining tuition, books and fees or “jump-start” funding while waiting for financial aid approval.

Additional steps may be required to maintain unemployment benefits and/or qualify to receive additional unemployment benefits. The college works with the Employment Security Department and other community agencies to provide services to dislocated workers. LCC offers educational planning, advising, and assistance with admissions, registration, and financial aid processes.

You may be eligible if you:

Are currently receiving unemployment benefits
Have received unemployment benefits in the last 48 months
Will be losing your job in the immediate future
Were self-employed but due to economic downturn or natural disaster have become unemployed or underemployed
Are a displaced homemaker (were dependent on another’s income and that income ended due to a change of domestic circumstances)
Are underemployed
Are enrolled in a professional-technical (AAS) degree or certificate program

Complete the Application

Print and bring your completed application to the Career Center located in the Admissions Center.

Complete la aplicación

Traer su solicitud para el centro de carreras ubicado en el centro de admisión.

Attend a Worker Retraining Orientation

If you believe you are eligible and would like to submit your application at the orientation, please print and bring the application with you. Orientations are scheduled using the Start Next Quarter link.

Unemployment Education Benefits

If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits, you need approval from Employment Security to attend school while collecting benefits, including:

Training Benefits

Training Benefits waives the work search requirements for workers who have lost their jobs and are in an approved, full-time training program.

If you apply and are approved for Training Benefits you may be eligible for extra weeks of benefits paid after regular unemployment benefits and Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) have run out.

Commissioner-Approved Training Benefits

Commissioner-approved training (CAT) from Washington State Employment Security Department allows you to collect your regular unemployment-insurance (UI) benefits while attending an approved full-time training program.

If approved, you do not have to look for work.

Do I Qualify?

Take a survey to see if you qualify for Worker Retraining or other services.

It's short, free and anonymous.

If you pre-qualify, you can sign up for planning workshops!

Click the image below to take the survey:

Contact Worker Retraining

Make an appointment to discuss Worker Retraining through the Entry Center by calling (360) 442-2311. Walk-ins welcome during regular business hours.

Career Services in Admissions Center

(360) 442-2330
careerhlp@lowercolumbia.edu

Crystal Heitz, Educational Planner

(360) 442-2334
cheitz@lowercolumbia.edu