Worker Retraining
What is Worker Retraining?
The Worker Retraining program helps unemployed, dislocated workers, and displaced homemakers receive assistance to complete job training and re-enter the workforce.
After being laid-off, Gary Laxson wasn't sure what he should do. He had always wanted to pursue a career in graphic design and he was determined to get an education. Eventually he met the right person at Pierce who got him into the Worker Retraining program.
Read more about his success story . . .
Who is eligible?
If you are currently drawing Unemployment Insurance. (UI) (You will need to apply for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) through Employment Security to attend school and collect unemployment insurance.)
OR
You have been terminated or received a notice of layoff from your employer and will be drawing unemployment benefits.
OR
You have exhausted your unemployment benefits within the past 24 months and have a “0” balance on your unemployment.
OR
You are a displaced homemaker who now needs to provide financial support for your family.
OR
Were self-employed, but are now unemployed as a result of economic conditions.
What careers can I train for?
The Worker Retraining Program could pay for tuition, books, child-care and transportation for one quarter which will link you to Financial Aid.
Long Programs
Long programs generally result in a certificate or a degree; certificate programs require approximately 45 credits and degree programs require approximately 90 credits.
- Early Childhood Education
- Business
- Computer Information Systems
- Business Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Social Service Mental Health
- Medical Billing
For more programs, visit Professional Technical Programs.
If you need to research which programs are in demand for Worksource funding, please see the information on Worksource's Demand/Decline list..
Short Programs
Short programs are generally completed within a single quarter. Currently we have two short training programs for which the Worker Retraining Program could pay tuition and books:
PierceWorks!, housed at South Hill Park, serves dislocated workers, displaced homemakers, the unemployed, and other community members. It is a career transition program that provides computer literacy, job search techniques, and works with students in developing industry based skills, which leads to employment opportunities and/or transition into professional technical programs. Contact Evelyn Brooks: (253) 840-8428 or email EBrooks@pierce.ctc.edu
Dede Reaves, a single woman with grown children, needed encouragement and a new career. Not too long ago she was financially ruined and deeply depressed, but she determined not to give up. A wonderful counselor encouraged Dede to pursue a college education and that's how she ended up at Pierce. She quickly set out on a path to move her life in a forward direction.
Read more about her success story . . .
Corrections Officer Training is a short term program designed to provide students with basic skills needed to succeed in the Corrections field. Students preform a 170-hour internship at a local correctional facility where they apply their skills and theory learned in the classroom. Contact Pat Love; (253) 964-6407 or email Plove@pierce.ctc.edu
What does special funding pay for?
The Worker Retraining Program could pay for tuition, books, childcare and transportation for ONE QUARTER of a professional technical degree or certificate that will link you to Financial Aid.
- Tuition
- Books
- Childcare
- Transportation
Unfortunately, Worker Retraining funds are not available for transfer degrees, continuing education courses or ESL.
What is Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) and what programs are approved?
Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) allows eligible claimants to attend full-time training and receive regular unemployment insurance benefits. To read more on Commissioner Approved Training, please click on http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/unemployment/benefits/forms/cat.pdf
Please check with your local Worksource office on CAT approved programs.
Pierceworks! Is CAT approved - you do not need to fill out this form if you are registered for this class.
What other assistance is available?
- Federal Financial Aid
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - WorkSource
- Pierce County Residents who are unemployed or underemployed may be eligible for tuition assistance for training in a DEMAND occupation.
- For more information:
- attend a General Orientation on Monday or Wednesday (no appointment necessary) at WorkSource Pierce, 1305 Tacoma Ave. South, 98402
- contact Pierce College Ft Steilacoom Job Connections/WorkSource Affiliate at (253) 964-6651 or 912-3753. You can also drop in Tuesdays or Thursdays 8 - 11 am.
- Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) (Available to former employees of NAFTA certified employees)
- Quality Through Training Program funds (QTTP) (Former Boeing IAM Union members only)
How do I Get Started?
- Apply for Financial Aid! To distribute funds to the greatest number of students in the most efficient manner, the Worker Retraining Program requires that students also apply for Federal Financial Aid as part of the qualification process.
- Contact the Pierce College Workforce Development District Office at (253) 964-6265 to set up an appointment, or stop by the advising center at the Fort Steilacoom or Puyallup campus to speak with Sarah Hauge, Workforce Advisor.
