Training Benefits with ESD while transitioning from caregiving to animal-related work - eligibility questions

Training Benefits (TB) is a special unemployment program that lets you attend school or training full-time while still receiving unemployment benefits. The key things to know: 1. You must be eligible for regular unemployment benefits first 2. Your training program must be "commissioner approved" - not just any school program 3. You need to demonstrate that you're training for an occupation that's in demand 4. There's an application process through ESD 5. If approved, you're excused from job search requirements while in training For animal-related careers, look into whether veterinary technician or animal care programs in your area are on the approved list. The ESD website has a search tool for approved programs. You'll need to apply for TB within your benefit year, and I recommend doing it ASAP as the approval process can take time.

I got training benefits last year to become a medical assistant after working retail for 10 years. The process was confusing but totally worth it! First I had to find a program on their approved list (not all schools/programs qualify). Then I had to fill out the application and explain why I couldn't go back to my old career and why the new one had better prospects. They approved me for the full 26 weeks of benefits while I did my training and I didn't have to do any job searches during that time. Now I'm working in healthcare making way more than before. For animal-related stuff, check out vet tech programs - those are usually on the approved list because they're in demand. The WorkSource office was super helpful with guiding me through everything!

BE CAREFUL with Training Benefits!!! I tried to get them in 2023 and it was a NIGHTMARE. I spent weeks going back and forth with ESD, got approved, started my program, then they randomly decided I wasn't eligible anymore and wanted me to PAY BACK $4,200!!! They said my program wasn't actually on their approved list even though they initially told me it was. I've been fighting them for months and still haven't resolved it. If you do apply, GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, save every email, and record every phone call (Washington is a two-party state so make sure to tell them). Also make SURE your program is on their official approved list, don't just take someone's word for it. The Commissioner Approved Training list changes all the time.

my sister did training benifits last year for nursing school, she said the key thing was proving that there were no jobs available in her old field (she was in restaurant management) and that nursing had better job prospects. she had to provide labor market info to show this. for animal stuff you might need to show that its hard to get back into vet work without new training?? idk just what she told me

I've been trying to get through to someone at ESD about Training Benefits for WEEKS with no luck. Their phone system is horrible - I get disconnected after waiting on hold for 2+ hours or it just says "call volume too high" and hangs up on me. Has anyone found a better way to contact them? I need to ask specific questions about my situation before I apply.

@OP - To answer your question about applying first versus enrolling first: You don't need to be enrolled before applying for Training Benefits, but you do need to have a specific training program identified. The application asks for details about which program you plan to attend, start/end dates, and how it will improve your employment prospects. What many people do is identify their program, apply for Training Benefits, and then only officially enroll and pay tuition after getting approved. This is the safest approach. Just be aware that Training Benefits applications take 2-4 weeks to process, so plan accordingly with school enrollment deadlines. Also, regarding animal-related careers - veterinary technician programs are frequently on the approved list because they're considered in-demand, but something more general like "animal studies" might not qualify. You need to demonstrate that the training leads directly to employment in an in-demand occupation.

Here's some practical advice based on helping several clients through the Training Benefits process: 1. Start at WorkSource - schedule an appointment with a career counselor who can help you identify in-demand occupations and approved training programs. 2. For your background, consider these pathways: - Veterinary Technician (usually 2-year program, always in demand) - Animal Control Officer (shorter certification programs available) - Animal Shelter Management (certificate programs that build on your caregiving background) - Specialized animal care (grooming certification, rehabilitation assistant) 3. Complete the Self-Assessment on the ESD website before applying - this helps determine if you're likely to qualify. 4. Timing matters - apply within the first 16 weeks of your claim for best results. 5. For the application, you'll need to clearly explain why you can't return to caregiving (physical demands, emotional burnout, lack of growth opportunity, etc.) and why additional training is necessary to transition to animal care. The process can be complicated, but with proper preparation, your transition from caregiving to animal-related work with Training Benefits support is definitely achievable.

do u still get the same amount of money with training benefits as regular unemployment?? and do they pay for the school too or just the weekly benefits??

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I've scheduled an appointment with a WorkSource career counselor for next week to discuss my options. I'm going to research vet tech and animal shelter management programs in my area before the meeting. I had no idea there were so many considerations with Training Benefits, so I'm really glad I asked here first before making any decisions. I'll update once I learn more about which programs are approved and if I qualify!