About Worker Retraining

About Worker Retraining

The Worker Retraining Program offers financial support to students who are retraining for a new job or career in a professional technical program. If you're looking for new or upgraded skills or a whole new career, we're looking for you.

Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 in grants that do not have to be paid back. 

Need Money for College?

Complete a short form to see if you qualify for grants for books, childcare, fees, program supplies, tuition, and Work-Study!

Check your Eligibility

Contact Us

Hours

Mon. - Fri.: 8am - 4:30pm

Connect Virtually

APPLY NOW

SCHEDULE A ONE-ON-ONE WITH US

Click on the box applicable to your enrollment status with Worker Retraining to get the support you need from our program. 

INTERESTED IN WORKING RETRAINING?

If you would like some more information about our program or need help with our application, click here to schedule a quick 10-minute chat with a member of our team. 

LAST NAMES: A-G OR MASON COUNTY RESIDENTS

Already applied to Worker Retraining and want to connect with Dianna Peck, your transitions coordinator? Click here to schedule an appointment with her. 

LAST NAMES: H-Z

Already applied to Worker Retraining and want to connect with Rebekah Wilkins, your transitions coordinator? Click here to schedule an appointment with her. 

APPLY FOR A WORKER RETRAINING GRANT

Mature Male

APPLY FOR A WORKER RETRAINING GRANT

We may be able to fund your education if you: 

  • Separated from military in last 4 years
  • Qualified for unemployment in last 4 years
  • Experiencing changes in household income
  • Are self-employed and facing hardship
  • Need new skills for a better job

Refer to the student eligibility section below for more information or click on the Apply Now button to get started.

Apply Now!

Eligibility & Program Info

Student Eligibility

To potentially qualify for funding, Worker Retraining applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria and be eligible for in-state tuition rates.​

  • Currently collecting unemployment insurance.​

  • Collected unemployment insurance at any time within the last 48 months.​

  • Determined eligible to collect unemployment insurance paired with a lay-off notice.​

  • Received a lay-off notice from your employer and are obtaining temporary work until the completion of your program. ​

  • Displaced Homemaker; previously managed a household full-time and now seeking work due to divorce, separation, loss of support, etc. (within the last 48 months).​

  • Formerly self-employed due to a reduction in local economic demand.​

  • Separated from the U.S. Armed Services within the last 48 months.​

  • Active-Duty military who has received a separation notice with an upcoming discharge date.​

  • Identify as a vulnerable worker by meeting 2 out of 3 criteria.​

    1. Employer is requiring new or updated skills to retain employment.​

    2. Have less than 45 college credits.​

    3. The current position is not in demand in the county where you reside.

Program Staff

Worker Retraining Locations

I greatly appreciate the invaluable opportunity to go back to school through the Olympic College Worker Retraining Program.

The fact that the industry I was in was in decline was a huge issue after I was laid off due to a cutbacks in that workforce field.

Not being able to look for work in that industry was proving to be an issue.

You assisted me with the Worker Retraining application and found out that I qualified to go back to school and complete my Leadership Business Management program for a LBM Certification.

I will be graduating this winter and was able to gain valuable education to help me in my new career!
Frank Portello Jr. (pronouns: he/him/his)