Exhausted all job search options - what ESD employment programs can actually help?

Have you connected with your local WorkSource center for their specialized programs? There's more available than just the basic workshops. I was in a similar position last year (laid off from healthcare admin) and what REALLY helped was joining their Worker Retraining Program. They helped pay for a certification course in my field and connected me with employers specifically looking for those skills. The key is getting assigned to an actual WorkSource career counselor, not just attending the general workshops. Call your local office and specifically ask about: 1. Worker Retraining Program 2. On-the-job training opportunities where ESD subsidizes your wages 3. Trade Adjustment Assistance (if your factory closed due to overseas competition) 4. Specialized industry hiring events (not the general job fairs) The resources are definitely there, but they don't advertise them well and you have to be persistent about asking for the specific programs.

WorkSource is useless omg!!! I went there 4 times and all they did was tell me to look at the same job sites I was already checking. Total waste of time. Temp agencies are just as bad - they get u all excited about jobs then ghost you. It's all about WHO you know not WHAT you know these days 🙄

What industry are you looking in? I had good luck with the ESD's Rapid Response program when my company downsized. They actually brought in specific employers looking for our skills. If your factory was a larger employer, they might have special resources allocated just for your situation. Did you get any paperwork about special services when the factory announced the closure? Sometimes they don't make it obvious that these programs exist.

Try the ESD Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) program if you're on unemployment! It lets you collect benefits while learning new skills, and you don't have to do the job search requirements during training. I did it in 2023 and got certified in logistics management after my warehouse job disappeared. The approval process was a bit of paperwork but TOTALLY worth it. You have to submit an application through your eServices account - look under the "training benefits" section. Not everyone at ESD even knows about this program, so if you call and they seem confused, ask specifically for someone who handles CAT applications.

To directly answer your question - yes, there are several ESD programs that can help beyond basic job search: 1. **WorkSource Individualized Career Services**: Requires meeting with a specialist who can enroll you in targeted programs 2. **Trade Adjustment Assistance**: If your job was lost due to foreign trade/competition 3. **Commissioner-Approved Training**: Allows you to keep benefits while in approved training programs 4. **Worker Retraining Program**: Funding for education in high-demand fields 5. **On-the-Job Training**: ESD covers part of your wages while you learn new skills The challenge is getting through to the right people who can enroll you. Most people I've worked with who had success getting into these programs had to be extremely persistent with ESD and WorkSource. The resources exist but they're understaffed and overwhelmed. Have you been able to get through to ESD directly to ask about these specialized programs?

i was in the same boat last month couldnt get anyone on the phone at ESD to talk about training programs. My friend told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in like 20 mins instead of waiting on hold forever. they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 worth it because i got approved for the training program and now im doing a medical assistant certification that ESD is paying for. their website is claimyr.com if you wanna check it out

One thing to add - even when you get into one of these ESD programs, you still need to be proactive. I did the Worker Retraining Program last year, and while it definitely helped me gain skills, I still had to hustle to find the job afterward. The career counselor helped with connections, but I had to follow through on everything. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for the Economic Security for All (EcSA) program if your income is below a certain threshold. It provides additional support services like transportation assistance, work clothes, childcare assistance, etc. while you're job hunting or in training. Not available in all counties though.

Anyone else notice how they make these programs IMPOSSIBLE to find out about?? Almost like they don't want people to actually use them! My cousin works at ESD and even she says they don't advertise the good programs because they'd be overwhelmed with applications. The whole system is designed to be frustrating so people give up.

Thank you everyone for all this info! I had no idea there were so many programs available. I'm going to: 1. Try to get through to ESD directly about the CAT program 2. Make an appointment with WorkSource and specifically ask for an individual career counselor 3. Look into that Worker Retraining program since my factory skills aren't getting me anywhere I'll update this thread once I make some progress. Fingers crossed something works out because my savings are almost gone and I'm getting desperate.