The Aug. 5 event will help displaced state workers, contractors and others impacted by budget reductions to prepare for new careers and access services and benefits to support them during their job search.
OLYMPIA, Wash., – The Washington Workforce Association (WWA), comprised of 12 state Local Workforce Development Boards, is partnering with the state Employment Security Department, along with other state and local partners, to host a webinar for state of Washington employees and contractors impacted by funding changes at the state level. The free webinar will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 1-3 p.m. PST.
The webinar, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, is intended to help state workers who were laid off, facing a furlough or expecting a workforce reduction. The Aug. 5 event will help displaced state workers, contractors and others impacted by state budget reductions to prepare for new careers and access services and benefits to support them during their job search, and help affected workers navigate available unemployment benefits and reemployment resources.
“There is a lot of uncertainty among the state workforce about funding levels for state programs, which is understandably causing concern and raising questions for those impacted by grant reductions, furloughs and other impacts to their employment and economic security,” said John Traugott, executive director for WWA. “We continue to work alongside our state agency partners to provide practical and timely information and resources for those looking for guidance and support state workers in this challenging time. Anyone who cannot attend the upcoming event, we hope they know they can reach out to their local workforce board partners for assistance and guidance.”
Register to attend the free online event:
- Aug. 5, 2025: 1-3 p.m. PST
Topics included in the webinar include:
- Unemployment benefits, how to file and get help.
- What to do about health care benefits.
- Expanding your job skills through training and educational programs.
- Career guidance, job search assistance, and other free resources.
- What to do with your state retirement account.
Individuals can register for the event up to the 1 p.m. PST start time. Webinar hosts include Employment Security, WorkSource, Local Workforce Development Boards, Washington Health Plan Finder, Washington State Community & Technical Colleges and the Washington State Labor Council.
There have been four virtual webinars, with the two webinars for state workers in June drawing more than 350 attendees. Because of the number of attendees, specific questions will not be answered but contact information will be provided for follow-up and assistance.
Those who cannot attend the virtual event are encouraged to connect with a coordinator in their region for local support and guidance. Contact information can be found here.
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About the Washington Workforce Association
The Washington Workforce Association (WWA) is a nonprofit nonpartisan membership organization of the Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) of Washington State. The LWDBs are business-led boards that coordinate and leverage workforce investments and strategies with stakeholders from education, economic development, labor and community-based organizations to advance the economic health of their respective communities through a skilled and competitive workforce.
