(1) The department may direct you, in writing, to attend a job search workshop or training course when it finds that your chances of finding employment will be improved by enrollment in such activity.

(2) You will not be directed to attend a job search workshop or training course if:

(a) You have an offer of bona fide work that begins within two weeks; or

(b) The workshop or training location is outside your labor market or would require you to travel further than the nearest WorkSource office or local employment center;

(c) You are a member in good standing of a full referral union, unless you are also being required to begin an independent search for work or have been identified as a dislocated worker as defined in RCW 50.04.075; or

(d) You are an active registered electrical apprentice in an approved electrical apprenticeship program under chapter 49.04 RCW and chapter 296-05 WAC.

(3) If you receive a directive and fail without good cause to attend a substantial portion of the workshop or training course during a week, you will be ineligible for benefits for the entire week. Good cause includes your illness or disability or that of a member of your immediate family, or your presence at a job interview scheduled with an employer. "Illness" includes a request from a medical professional, local health official, or the Secretary of Health to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of a disease that is the subject of a public health emergency, even if you or your immediate family member have not been actually diagnosed with a disease that is the subject of a public health emergency. Reasons for absence may be verified and may result in a denial of benefits under RCW 50.20.010.

(4) Participation in a job search workshop when directed meets the definition of an "in-person job search activity" as defined in WAC 192-180-010.

(5) When attending a job search workshop or training course as directed, you will not be ineligible for benefits for failure to be available for work or to actively seek work under the provisions of:

(a) RCW 50.20.010 (1)(c);

(b) RCW 50.20.240; or

(c) RCW 50.22.020(1).