Sectoral shifts causing unemployment - how does Washington ESD handle industry transitions?

I've been logging everything but sometimes there just aren't jobs posted in the new sectors I'm targeting. How do I show I'm searching when there's nothing to apply for?

You can include networking activities, informational interviews, and skills assessments as part of your job search log. Washington ESD accepts these as valid search activities during industry transitions.

That's exactly what I'm trying to do but it feels like the system expects you to find work immediately. Did you have any issues with your claim during that transition period?

Yeah I had to do a phone interview to explain my job search strategy. Once I showed them my retraining plan they were much more understanding.

Thanks for sharing that! I've been trying to call for weeks but can never get through. How much does something like that cost?

They focus on the value of actually getting through rather than the cost. For me it was worth it just to get my questions answered and avoid the constant busy signals.

Sounds too good to be true but if it actually works might be worth trying. I've wasted hours on hold with Washington ESD.

I didn't know about extended benefits for retraining. Is this something I have to apply for separately or does it happen automatically?

You need to apply separately and get approval for the training program first. The extended benefits kick in once you're enrolled in an approved program.

Exactly! It's like they expect you to magically find work in an industry that doesn't exist anymore while also somehow getting new skills.

Actually you can refuse unsuitable work if it's not in your field and pays significantly less than your previous job. Document everything though.

Yes! People don't realize how fast entire job categories can just disappear. What are you looking into for your next career?

Thinking about logistics and supply chain management since that's growing with all the online shopping. You?

Green energy installation and maintenance. Figured if coal is dying might as well go to what's replacing it.

Good point. I probably need to be more explicit about that in my weekly claims. I've been focusing on the job search but not really explaining the bigger picture.

These phone services keep coming up in the thread. Might be worth looking into if I can't get through on my own.

I was skeptical at first but honestly if it gets you connected to an actual person at Washington ESD it might be worth it. I've been trying for weeks with no luck.

Exactly. This isn't cyclical unemployment where you wait for things to pick back up. The whole industry is restructuring permanently.

That's why retraining programs exist. The government knows these shifts happen and has programs to help people transition.

Thanks. I guess I'm just worried they'll think I'm not trying hard enough when really there just aren't jobs in my field anymore.

I haven't heard of WIOA programs. Are these federal or state programs?

Federal funding administered by the state. Contact your local WorkSource office to see what's available in your area.

Six months sounds about right for a real career transition. Did Washington ESD give you any trouble during that time?

Nah, as long as I kept up with the job search requirements and showed I was learning new skills they were fine with it.

That's the third mention of that service in this thread. Must actually work if people keep bringing it up.

Yeah I'm starting to think it might be worth trying. Regular calling just isn't working for most of us.

True. Without UI benefits I'd probably have to take any job just to pay bills and never have time to properly retrain for a new field.

Good advice. I've been keeping track of applications but should probably also document the training courses and networking I'm doing.

Screenshots of online courses, certificates from workshops, emails from networking contacts - all of that can help show you're serious about transitioning.

Yeah hospitality got hit really hard. What are you thinking of transitioning to?

maybe something in healthcare support or logistics. need to research what training programs are available