Skill Enhancement Training launches Jan. 1, 2025

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washington state department of labor and industries - claims and insurance

Self-Insurance

Skill Enhancement Training launches
Jan. 1, 2025

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, state law allows authorization of payment for workers who could benefit from basic skill development, also known as Skill Enhancement Training (SET).

SET may be appropriate for a worker who:

  • Has an open Self-Insurance (SI) or State Fund claim.
  • Has an open vocational recovery (VR), ability to work assessment (AWA), or plan development (PD) referral.
  • Has remaining SET funds on the claim*.
  • Is willing to participate in the training.
  • Is not working or is working limited hours due to work restrictions.

*Available funds equal to 25% of maximum funding available for vocational retraining plan (up to $5,150.67 through June 30, 2025).

During initial rollout of the program, approved SET requests may include:

  • Language Acquisition/English as Second Language (ESL) courses.
  • General education development or high school equivalency courses.
  • Receiving equipment and software needed to effectively participate in basic skill development.

SET can be considered when:

  • It will not delay vocational or claim decisions. Workers may complete courses that were approved prior to referral closure or claim closure.
  • Courses are provided by an approved L&I training provider.
  • The vocational rehabilitation counselor (VRC) submits the SET application and an L&I vocational service specialist (VSS) reviews for approval decision.


Additional details:

  • SET is a return-to-work incentive and may not be appropriate for every worker.
  • Non-cooperation should not be pursued in SET.
  • Training outcomes will not be considered as part of a transferrable skill recommendation.
  • SET for SI workers is paid directly by the SI employer.
  • SET does not reduce funds available for subsequent vocational retraining.

Additional information is available on L&I’s website.

For questions, email PSRS@lni.wa.gov.