Training and Retention

Are you connected with a local work-based learning or training partner to fill strategic jobs and/or for talent pipeline purposes? Do you have a retraining program or are you looking for upskilling and layoff aversion strategies to retain current employees and to reduce turnover? Let us help you get in the right direction.

Department of Labor Overview

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) funds job training programs to improve the employment prospects of adults, youth, and dislocated workers.  An overview of partner agencies and programs can at found at Program Areas.

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning is a key workforce strategy for businesses to build their future workforce and retain talent. There are different types of Work-Based Learning and Programs offering people real-life workplace experience and exposure to industries, occupations, and companies, along with career pathways to livable and higher wage jobs.

Types of Work-Based Learning

  • Apprenticeships

  • Pre-Apprenticeships

  • Internships

  • Transitional Jobs

  • On-The-Job Training (OJT)

We can connect you with local organizations and program partners seeking to link talent to Internships, Apprenticeship Preparation, and Apprenticeship opportunities, along with supporting them to better understand workforce needs and enhance career pathways. See current apprenticeship programs in WA State and WIOA funding to support apprenticeship.

Transitional Jobs are a work-experience local workforce development boards can offer as an individualized career service under WIOA. Transitional jobs are time-limited, wage-paid work experiences that are subsidized up to 100 percent.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a hiring program federally funded under WIOA. The program allows you to hire and train skilled workers and get reimbursed for a portion of the training costs. When funding is available, we can connect you with a program partner.

Retraining and Upskilling Programs

Upskilling is a workplace trend that facilitates continuous learning by providing training programs and development opportunities that expand an employee's abilities and minimize skill gaps.

  • Customized Training Program(s) in partnership with WA State Community and Technical Colleges 

    • Customized Training (CTP) provides interest-free training loan assistance to businesses that provide employment opportunities in the state.

    • Job Skills Program (JSP) funds half of the training cost and partner employers provide a cash or in-kind match to fund the other half.

  • Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) in partnership with WA State Workforce Development Boards and Councils 

    • Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) is designed to ensure that employees of a company can acquire the skills necessary to retain employment and advance within the company, or to acquire the skills necessary to avert a layoff.

Wages and Cost of Living

Keeping your wages current and understanding industry labor demands are critical to business retention. You can find information here at Occupational employment statistics (OES). OES is a program of the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This federal-state cooperative program produces employment and wage estimates for over 800 occupations.

Additional resources to assist in wage and cost of living:

Layoff Aversion

Besides retraining programs and competitive wage information, there some business-friendly programs to help you during economic challenges and other factors like employee injuries outside the workplace.

  • SharedWork - voluntary business sustainability program that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours

  • Temporary Layoffs and Standby - employers can place full-time workers on standby, making them eligible for full unemployment benefits during that time

  • The Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC) - administers the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program. It has been an effective means to avoid layoffs and spur growth for eligible firms. The TAAF federal program provides 50/50 matching funds to firms impacted (in declined sales or layoffs) by foreign competition to help them more successfully compete. Up to $75,000 to qualified firms

Reduction in Force (RIF) and Layoff Support

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)  and our state and local workforce investment system partners offer many services to help businesses and workers deal with the effects of layoffs and plant closures, including those that result from increased competition from imports, natural disasters, and other events.

One such service is Rapid Response. Rapid Response is a pro-active, business-focused, and flexible strategy designed to respond to layoffs and plant closings by quickly coordinating services and providing immediate aid to companies and their affected workers. 

If you or your company needs to lay off employees for any reason, contact WorkSource. The Rapid Response team can assist businesses by providing resources and on-site services to make the transition easier for both you and your employees.

Getting Started with WorkSource Business Services

Looking to get more information about how your business can use these resources? Fill out our Employer Inquiry Form and a representative will connect you with the right options for you.