Finding a Career
Washington Career Bridge: A free career exploration and planning tool that includes a career assessment quiz that’s helpful in determining which career clusters match an individual’s interests, careers that are in demand or will have jobs in the future, and where to find education and training programs across the state.
Career Connect Washington: A network that includes regional partners (Education Service Districts) and sector leaders in demand / wage industries (Manufacturing & Aerospace, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Clean Technology & Energy, Construction, Education, Finance, Healthcare, Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Life Science, and Maritime) that offer various programs across the state where young people and adults can learn real-world skills while earning a wage and/or college credit.
Washington State Skill Center Association (WSSCA): Operates as an extension of the K-12 school system within each region by providing opportunities for students to obtain academic and work skills to enter the job market or prepare for all post-secondary options after high school. Students must be enrolled in a school district.
Passport to Apprenticeship: Supports students in registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. The funds can be used for tuition and fees for classes, work clothing, tools, etc.
AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships: Provides apprenticeship opportunities in a no-cost apprenticeship preparation program, youth apprenticeship for high school students, and an adult apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing industries.
Machinists Institute: Provides pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and machinist industries.
Construct a CareerInitiative: Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council : This program is available statewide to share information and increase access to state-registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades.
American Industries Scholarship: This is a trade scholarship in collaboration with Foster Love and the Milligan Family Foundation for current and former foster youth across America. There’s up to $10,000 in academic funding available over two years to earn a trade certification or vocational degree. There’s an online application process and the priority due date is April 25, 2025, final due date is May 30, 2025.
Apprenticeship Program Public: Search engine for apprenticeship programs available, provided by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Job Corps | Careers Begin Here: Free residential career training and education program for low-income young people ages 16 through 24.
Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy: An opportunity for young people ages 15.5 to 18 years old who are behind in high school credits and are at risk of dropping out or have withdrawn from high school. The program is a division of the Washington Military Department and partners with OSPI incorporating a highly structured format.
Welcome To thecalculator – A free tool that can help with life planning, budgeting, etc.
Employment and Job Training
2024 Washington Youth Employment Outlook: Average annual unemployment rates in Washington.
Minor Work Permit – businesses must have a minor work permit to be able to hire young people under the age of 18. Find information on hiring minors, work hours during the school year or during summer break, and parent (guardian) / school authorization form needed before young people get hired by the employer.
WA State Department of Revenue: Tool to find out which businesses hire minors that have an active minor work permit.
Foundational Community Support (FCS): This program offers supportive housing and employment for Apple Health eligible participants with complex needs. Get their referral form.
Job Service Center: One stop shop for employment and job training support at a local WorkSource center where folks can find jobs, employment or training related workshops, hiring events, career tools, programs and resources for job seekers and employers.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Programs: Works with ages 16 to 24 (out of school; GED students are eligible) provides job readiness training.
DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) – Provides services to individuals who want employment but need assistance due to cognitive, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities.
- Student and Youth VR Training Services / Pre-Employment Transition Services: A program that provides career and job training services with young people ages 16 through 21 who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 plan, or a documented disability.
Washington State Transition Map: A resource that provides a summary to help individuals and families learn about transition services they may be eligible for as students plan their transition from high school and beyond.