An individual who is starting employment — either entering the workforce for the first time, changing employers, or starting a new role. They do not yet have the established employment history required for “incumbent worker” status. New workers are typically targeted for programs aimed at job placement, entry-level training, or career development.

The key differences between new workers and incumbent workers:

• Employment status: Incumbent workers are already employed; new workers are starting employment.
• Eligibility: Incumbent workers meet a minimum 6 month employment history requirement; new workers do not.
• Training: Incumbent worker training focuses on retention, advancement, and skill retention; new worker programs focus on placement and foundational skills.
• Programs: Incumbent worker training is part of WIOA’s incumbent worker training (IWT) provisions (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). New workers may be served by job search, apprenticeship, or entry-level training programs.