Hire and Train Employees
INCOME
$42,356
PATENTS
1.71
Per 1,000 workers
EDUCATION
31%
College Degree or Higher
UNEMPLOYMENT
8.5%
December 2011
TOT. EXPORTS
$53.2B
Ready to hire your first employees or want an affordable way to provide your current workforce with new skills? Washington state's primary hiring and training programs significantly reduce costs and save time for employers.
A business and occupation (B&O) tax credit is also available to businesses that train qualified workers in distressed areas.
This program helps your business remain competitive. Business can access these training programs by applying with a community or technical college and saving up to $900 per employee. The program provides matching funds for training, which may be on-site, in a classroom or a combination. Training is generally provided through community colleges, although a third party may be used if a college is unable to support a particular topic. The JSP can be used by companies recently locating within the state and also existing Washington state companies that are expanding or upgrading their workforce. Eligibility is based in part upon job creation and hourly wages.
Customized Training Program (CTP)
This program provides a B&O tax credit equal to half of the cost of the training. Training is provided by community, technical or private career colleges and may include skills assessment, evaluation, training equipment, materials, facilities, supplies and provide training in:
- Basic education and skills
- English language for non-native speakers
- Technical skills and job-related instruction
Washington WorkFirst
Employers hiring qualified workers can potentially save as much as $2,400 per employee through the
Work Opportunity Tax Credit and an additional $8,500 through the
Welfare to Work tax credit. This program operates as Washington state's welfare-to-work program as a partnership between four state agencies. Businesses can use the service to find applicants with job-ready skills. Customized training is also available.
WorkSource Centers
Worksource Centers provide one-stop hiring and training assistance to businesses and job-seekers. Services for businesses include computer job matching, online job postings, and resume bank, customized training, and consultation. WorkSource Centers are a join venture of numerous workforce, education, and training agencies.
Centers of Excellence
The centers are flagship institutions that build and sustain Washington's competitive advantage through statewide leadership. Each center focuses on a targeted industry that drives the state's economy and is built upon a reputation for fast, flexible, quality education and training programs. A targeted industry is identified as one that is strategic to the economic growth of a region or state. There are a total of 11 centers, ranging from aerospace and advanced materials manufacturing to agriculture.
WorkPlace Basic Skills
This program provides on-the-job training that combines literacy skills with work-based knowledge. Basic skills necessary for workplace success include the obvious - reading, writing, math, as well as the less obvious, such as thinking and communication skills, and personal management. Government funding is occasionally available to assist companies with basic skills training.
Workforce College
Workforce College offers Washington business an efficient and valuable source of employee training at 34 Community and Technical Colleges across the state. Businesses can search for colleges that provide training in a select subject and request proposals for customized training.
Washington Career Bridge
Connect with nearly 5,000 education and training programs throughout Washington and help your workforce obtain the skills they need to succeed. Fill your open positions by tapping into programs already preparing workers for a variety of in-demand industries.
Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLA)
LiLA is a new program expanding across Washington state, where you and your employees jointly contribute to an educational savings account to help your workforce save, and pay for their next educational step.
