Washington ESD job training programs - how effective are they for reducing unemployment?

I did the welding certification program through WorkSource last year while on UI. It was actually really good - 12 week program and they helped with job placement afterward. Got hired within 3 weeks of finishing. The training counted toward my job search requirements too so I didn't have to worry about that part.

honestly these programs are hit or miss. i did one for customer service and it was pretty basic stuff i already knew. but my friend did the CNA program and got hired right away at a nursing home. depends what field youre going into i guess

The key thing is making sure the program you choose aligns with actual job demand in your area. Washington ESD has labor market data showing which occupations are growing. I'd recommend checking that before committing to any specific training. Also, some programs can extend your benefit eligibility under Training Extension of Benefits if you qualify.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about training programs or anything else, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person. They handle the calling and waiting for you - saved me hours of frustration. Check out claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth it if you need to discuss training options with an actual agent.

I'm currently in the medical assistant program through WorkSource and it's been great so far. 8 weeks in and already have potential employers interested. The instructors have connections in the healthcare field which really helps. Plus being in training means I can focus on that instead of applying to random jobs just to meet the search requirements.

just be careful they dont try to push you into something you dont want. my case worker kept insisting i do retail training when i wanted to get back into warehouse work. had to be pretty firm about what i was actually interested in

One thing I forgot to mention - if you do a training program, make sure you understand how it affects your weekly claims. You still have to file every week but the work search requirements change. My case worker explained it all when I started but it was confusing at first.

Look into the apprenticeship programs too if you're in manufacturing. Some of them are paid apprenticeships where you earn while you learn. Better than just sitting on unemployment if you can get into one.

The manufacturing training programs in Seattle area are supposed to be really good. My neighbor did the machinist program last year and he's making more now than before he got laid off. Takes about 6 months but he said it was worth every minute.

Whatever you do, don't let them talk you into some sketchy for-profit school program. Stick with community colleges or legitimate trade schools. I've heard horror stories about people getting stuck with debt from programs that don't actually help with job placement.

I tried to get info about training programs from Washington ESD but kept getting transferred around and eventually disconnected. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and actually got to talk to someone who knew what they were talking about. Got enrolled in a program within a week after that conversation.

The timing on training programs can be tricky. Some only start at certain times of the year. I missed the enrollment deadline for the program I wanted and had to wait 3 months for the next session. Make sure you check start dates when you're looking into options.

Been in construction my whole life and the green energy training programs are where it's at now. Solar installation, energy efficiency retrofits, that kind of stuff. Growing field and pays well. Just saying don't limit yourself to traditional manufacturing if you're open to learning something new.

Word of warning - some employers don't take the training programs seriously. I completed a logistics program but when I interviewed places kept asking about my 'real' experience. Might vary by industry though. Manufacturing might be different since skills are more hands-on.

Check if your program offers industry certifications as part of the training. Those carry more weight with employers than just completing a course. My IT program included several Microsoft certs which definitely helped in interviews.

honestly the best part about being in training was having a routine again. being unemployed and just sitting around applying to jobs was depressing. at least with training i felt like i was working toward something concrete

If you decide to go for it, document everything. Keep copies of your enrollment paperwork, attendance records, everything. If there are ever any issues with your benefits while you're in training, you'll want that documentation to prove you were following the rules.

Just want to say thanks to whoever mentioned Claimyr earlier. Finally got through to Washington ESD about my training question that's been pending for weeks. Sometimes you just need to actually talk to a human being instead of navigating their website maze.

Bottom line is that training programs can be very effective for reducing unemployment duration, but success depends on choosing programs aligned with local job market demand and your own career interests. The data shows participants in relevant training programs have better employment outcomes than those who don't participate. Just make sure you do your research before committing.