Schools and training providers have an important role in helping workers successfully return to work. They deliver the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a student to get and keep a job in their chosen field.

For L&I to pay for retraining services:

These apply to workers who chose Option 1 or Option 2 and have a State Fund or self-insured claim.

• The school or training program must be pre-approved as an L&I training provider.
• All approved training providers are either licensed, accredited, or exempt from licensure.
• Exempt providers must meet specific requirements prior to L&I approval.
• Approved providers can bill L&I for a worker’s tuition and/or expenses.
• L&I cannot reimburse workers or VRCs for tuition.

Click below to skip to a specific topic

• Find an L&I Approved Training Provider
• What to look for when choosing a school or training program
• Resources in Washington State
• Other resources
• If you have a question, comment, or concern

Find an L&I Approved Training Provider

• Go to the Vendor Services Lookup tool. In the “Service” dropdown box, click “Retraining Services.” You can filter by county, city, and/or state.
• Email Provider Accounts and Credentialing at PACmail@Lni.wa.gov.
• Email SchoolOversightProgram@LNI.wa.gov.

If a school or training program is not listed, see Become an L&I Training Provider.

What to look for when choosing a school or training program

The purpose of a training program is to equip the worker with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to be successful in the workforce. To identify schools and training programs that prepare workers for vocational success, you can:

• Review school catalogs for entrance, performance, and completion standards. Review student policies and expectations. Look for information relevant to the worker’s training and job goal and for student services like job placement assistance.
• Confirm the training program delivers the education and skills required for the job goal. When possible, get completion and placement rates for the training program.
• If a job goal requires a professional license, confirm the school prepares students to apply for and take the licensing examination.
• Look for training programs within a reasonable commute for the worker. Schools with multiple locations/campuses need an L&I Provider Number for each location.
• Verify the total cost of the training program, including all tuition, equipment, and supplies. Attach a copy of these costs with the training plan submitted to L&I, such as the school catalog and/or an image of their website. Schools cannot charge L&I workers more than any other student.
• Use L&I's Best Practices Guidelines when evaluating training programs.

Resources in Washington State

The resources below have a wealth of information about careers, job hunting, and training programs. Out-of-state schools may have different resources and/or licensing requirements.

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

The Workforce Board (WTB) provides a variety of student services, tracks accredited schools in Washington State, and licenses some private schools. They have:

• A list of schools Licensed by the WTB.
• Information about training programs at Career Bridge. This resource shows completion rates, placement rates, and typical earnings for some training programs. Schools on the Washington State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) list are subject to minimum federal standards for completion rates, employment rates, and earning levels.
• Other resources such as Career Resources, Student Resources, file a student complaint or recover tuition if a school closes.

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

DOL oversees many professions by licensing individual practitioners, professional exam administrators, and schools.

• Check the List of Licenses and click on any profession to view applicable licensing requirements and standards for educators.
• Consumers can also Look up a Business or Professional License or File a Complaint.

WorkSource

WorkSource is a partnership of state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that provides an array of employment and training services to job seekers and employers.

• Any worker, regardless of claim status, can access resources and receive assistance at any WorkSource location. For services tailored to injured workers, contact L&I's Vocational Services Specialists co-located at WorkSource Centers around the state.
• Services include:
  
  • Skill assessments, information about occupations, high-demand occupations, a budget calculator, and up-to-date labor market trends.
  • Job search assistance including resume writing, interviewing techniques, hiring events, and job postings.
  • Assistance with Option 2 plans and on-the-job training (OJT).
  • Access to community resources and referrals to other WorkSource partners and programs.

Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)

SBCTC advocates, coordinates and directs Washington State’s system of 34 public community and technical colleges.

Among other information, you can learn about:

• Finding the right career | SBCTC
• Community and Technical Colleges | SBCTC
• Basic Education For Adults | SBCTC and Providers of Basic Education for Adults | SBCTC

Other resources

• L&I's Best Practices Guidelines
• Private Vocational Schools Collaborative project overview
• Private Vocational Schools Collaborative Project Report, November 2017
• Civil Rights Program at L&I (wa.gov)

If you have a question, comment, or concern

Please email us at SchoolOversightProgram@lni.wa.gov.