Worker Retraining

Return to work in a new career or with upgraded skills!

Worker Retraining is designed to help you gain the skills and certification needed to be competitive in today's job market. The program is a partnership between technical and community colleges and Employment Security. Worker Retraining has provided an opportunity for job training to thousands of eligible Washington workers since 1993.

Do You Qualify?

Eligible students may receive tuition assistance and/or funds to cover the cost of books, for one quarter toward a certificate or degree at Renton Technical College. With approval from Employment Security, you may continue to receive unemployment benefits while attending full-time training until the date your benefits are exhausted.

Start by checking if you fit one of the criteria:

  • You are receiving WA State unemployment benefits.
  • You have exhausted your WA State unemployment benefits within the last 48 months.
  • You have been determined to be a "Dislocated Worker."
  • You were self-employed within the last two years, operating your own business, and are now unemployed because of economic downturn.
  • You are unemployed Veteran who has been discharged from the US armed services within the past 48 months.
  • You are a "Displaced Homemaker" (worked primarily in the home over the past two years providing unsalaried household services for family members on a full-time basis AND were dependent on the income of another family member but are no longer supported by that income).

How Do You Apply?

If you are a NEW STUDENT:

  • You can meet with an entry adviser at RTC for enrollment and learn about our programs.
  • Apply for admissions.
  • Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid: FAFSA
  • Sign up and attend the Worker Retraining Information Session at (425)235-5840 or visit Start Next Quarter.
  • Schedule an appointment with Workforce Counselor to register for classes, placement tests, turn in Workforce Financial Aid Application, and review Training Benefits/CAT Application.
  • Start classes.

If you are a CURRENT STUDENT:

  • Sign up and attend the Worker Retraining Information Session at (425)235-5840 or visit Start Next Quarter.
  • Schedule an appointment with a Workforce Counselor to turn in Workforce Financial Aid Application, and review Training Benefits/CAT Application.
  • Start classes.

Contact Us

For an appointment or to sign up for the Worker Retraining Information, please call (425) 235-5840 or visit Start Next Quarter. or visit the Student Success Center in Building I at Renton Technical College.

Programs

Select a link below to find out more about these occupations and earning potential. Check our current class schedule for short-term training opportunities

Please Note

If you are drawing Washington State Unemployment Insurance Benefits, your attendance at school could raise an issue regarding your eligibility for those benefits, and you could be denied benefits and asked to pay back a portion of your benefits if you are found to be out of compliance with work search and availability requirements.

You may inquire at your local WorkSource office about applying for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). If eligible for CAT, the Unemployment Insurance program may waive the work search and availability requirements while you are a full time student.

WorkSource Locations: https://www.worksourcewa.com