An unemployed individual is eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits) if the individual (1) worked at least 680 hours in the base year, (2) was separated from employment through no fault of the claimant's or quit work for good cause, and (3) is able to work, available to work, and is actively searching for suitable work.  The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers Washington State's unemployment insurance program.

Individuals who leave work to enter certain apprenticeship programs are considered to have left work for good cause and, therefore, are not disqualified from receiving UI benefits. The apprenticeship program must be approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council. Benefits are payable beginning the Sunday of the week prior to the week in which the claimant begins active participation in the apprenticeship program. These UI benefits are not charged to employers' experience rating accounts.

ESD is required to convene a work group for the purpose of identifying and addressing legal and procedural barriers faced by eligible claimants participating in apprenticeship programs when those claimants seek timely access to UI benefits. The work group must include representatives of apprenticeship programs and ESD staff, as well as other appropriate stakeholders identified by ESD. 

By December 1, 2023, ESD must submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature with findings and recommendations, including a status update on applicable administrative efforts to reduce procedural barriers identified by the work group.