Menu of Services
Resources
- Resume review
Your Employment Specialist can help you with your resume, provide career advice, and connect you with support services like transportation, clothes for interviews, and childcare assistance. WorkSource also has many free workshops available online, some of which contain helpful tips and tricks for writing a resume that can help you stand out. Select your area and see what’s available here.
For more free resume tools visit:
WorkSourceWA Resume Video Tutorial
- Career advice
Many WorkSource services, such as our resource room computers, are self-serve and available by walking through the door. A host of additional services are available once you sign up with WorkSource. The first step to accessing those services is to attend our Employment and Training Orientation.
This orientation provides information on eligibility and training services available through WorkSource. Virtual orientations occur every Tuesday from 3-4pm. To register, click here and select your area to search for upcoming sessions.
You can also attend in person at either our Vancouver or Kelso locations. Vancouver orientations occur every Thursday from 1-2pm. Orientations at our Kelso location occur every Wednesday from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Once you’ve attended the Employment and Training Orientation, your Employment Specialist can provide you with up-to-date industry insights, job descriptions, and career trends. For more career-related information, click here.
- Hiring events
WorkSource holds regular hiring events that feature local businesses. For more information on these hiring events, click here and select your area. All events are free to attend.
- Job search guidance
Your Employment Specialist can assist you by providing individual guidance in your job search, job referrals, and data-driven tools. At WorkSource, you can be sure you always have a professional in your corner who wants you to succeed. If you’re ready to start your journey, you can visit either our Vancouver or Kelso center.
- Interview training
Many people cite the interview as one of the more intimidating aspects of the job search. WorkSource is here to help you through this stressful step with free workshops that can demystify the purpose of an interview, help you avoid common mistakes, and set you up for a confident meeting with your prospective employer. If you also desire some more one-on-one experience, you can also meet with one of our Employment Specialists for a mock interview.
Walk-ins are welcome at both our Vancouver and Kelso centers! Or you can set up an appointment at our Vancouver center by calling (360) 735-5000. To contact our location in Kelso, call (360) 577-2250.
For more information on our workshops, select your area and see what’s available here.
- Skill assessments
Identifying key skills can go a long way toward making a resume that stands out—even for those who say they have little or no experience. If your career goals require new training, your Employment Specialist will have you complete an online skill assessment and discuss available trainings.
- Computer usage
If you need access to a computer for your job search, visit the resource room at your local WorkSource center. Computers can be used for online applications, resumes, and other job search activities.
- Free workshops
Our free workshops are a great way to expand your job search knowledge. WorkSource has many virtual workshops, featuring topics such as interviews, resume writing, professional communication, and much more. Browse the calendar on the homepage of worksourceswwa.com to find and register for upcoming workshops. Or select your area and see what’s available here.
Job Training
- On-the-Job training
On-the-Job Training, also known as learning while you earn, is one of several ways people can get the experience and training they need to get a job or advance in their career. To find out more about our On-the-Job Training program, contact Karin LaValla at (360) 735-4957 or karin.lavalla@esd.wa.gov.
- Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can be a great way to learn the ins and outs of a trade with an experienced guide and get paid while you learn! To learn more how WorkSource can connect you with apprenticeship opportunities contact Karin LaValla at (360) 735-4957 or karin.lavalla@esd.wa.gov.
- Internships
If you’re looking for an internship opportunity to help change careers or build your resume, our WEX program can help get you started toward a better future. WEX stands for Work Experience and it’s an ideal way to gain the hands-on training you need to thrive. Contact Heather Fox at (360) 735-5005 or heather.fox@esd.wa.gov (Vancouver) or Kristi Williams at (360) 578-4211 or kristine.williams@esd.wa.gov (Cowlitz/Wahkiakum) for more information on how to get started.
- Retraining
To learn more about your retraining possibilities, you must meet with an Employment Specialist who will evaluate your work history, skills, and interests. Eligibility is based on individual factors as well as demand. For more information on retraining, attend our Employment and Training Orientation, then meet with an Employment Specialist.
Virtual orientations occur every Tuesday from 3-4pm. To register, click here and select your area to search for upcoming sessions.
You can also attend in-person at either our Vancouver or Kelso locations. Vancouver orientations occur every Thursday from 1-2pm. Orientations at our Kelso location occur every Wednesday from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Support Services
- Childcare assistance
Your Employment Specialist can provide you with a referral to help with childcare assistance in relation to your job search.
- Transportation assistance
WorkSource can issue referrals for bus vouchers and other job search related transportation assistance. For more information, contact WorkSource Vancouver at (360) 735-5010 or WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum at (360) 577-2250.
- Job search allowance
Looking for work can sometimes be expensive. If your job search activities are limited because of personal finances, WorkSource can help. You may be approved for an allowance to help you find a job.
- Pell grants for unemployed workers
Some candidates may be eligible for Pell grants. These grants do not need to be paid back and are designed to help unemployed workers. To find out more about this funding source, talk to your Employment Specialist.
- Housing assistance
If you’re struggling to find or keep housing and it is impacting your job search, speak to your Employment Specialist about referrals or other assistance.
- Utility assistance
There are many ways WorkSource can aid people during their job search. If you’re struggling with your utility payments, speak to your Employment Specialist about how WorkSource can help.
- Clothing for interviews
For interviews, it’s important to look your best. WorkSource can help those in need with clothing for job interviews. Talk to your Employment Specialist to learn more.
- Licenses and certification
If you require licenses or certification for your job search, WorkSource can help with that too! Whether you’re changing careers or trying to improve your qualifications, WorkSource can assist in finding and potentially paying for the licenses and certifications you need to get and keep a job.
- Cell phone or internet assistance
If you need cell phone or internet service to find a job, speak with your Employment Specialist about available support services. Job search related internet usage is also provided in your local WorkSource center’s resource room.