Overview

The Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. The Act is intended to facilitate job seekers' access to employment, education, training, and support services to enhance their labor market success, while also aligning employers with the skilled workforce necessary for global competition. Congress passed the Act with a wide bipartisan majority.

WIOA requires states to strategically align their core workforce development programs to coordinate the needs of both job seekers and employers through combined four-year state plans with greater flexibility than its predecessor program (WIA). WIOA also promotes accountability and transparency through negotiated performance goals that are publicly available, fosters regional collaboration within states through local workforce areas, and improves the American Job Center system.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in coordination with federal partners at the U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS), collaborate to provide information and resources for states, local areas, nonprofits and other grantees, and other stakeholders.

The U.S. Employment and Training Administration (ETA) administers core and discretionary programs authorized by WIOA. It also authorizes programs for specific vulnerable populations, including the Job Corps, YouthBuild, Indian and Native American Program, the Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) program, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs.

• Adult & Dislocated Worker Program
• Indian and Native American Program
• JobCorps
• National Dislocated Worker Grants (NDWG)
• National Farmworker Jobs Program
• Reentry Employment Opportunities Program (REO)
• Wagner-Peyser Employment Service
• WIOA Youth Program
• YouthBuild

These programs provide a range of career and training services to job seekers, job search assistance, workforce preparation, and career development services. Training services also available include both classroom and work-based learning opportunities.

In addition to serving individual job seekers, these programs help businesses find the skilled workers they need by referring qualified job seekers, filling job orders, and through tailored work-based learning strategies. These services are available to workers and businesses through a network of approximately 2,400 (AJCs) nationwide, also known as One-Stop Career Centers.

Additional Programs

WIOA funds are typically provided to states and used for assisting students in workforce training pathways. The availability and specific use of WIOA funds can vary by state and local workforce development areas. Therefore, individuals interested in accessing these funds for workforce training should contact their local American Job Center or Workforce Development Agency for detailed and updated information about programs available in their area.

• Training Programs: WIOA funds can be used to support eligible individuals in participating in various training programs. This includes short-term and long-term training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials.
• Career Services: WIOA funds may cover career services such as counseling, job search assistance, and other support services to help individuals successfully complete training programs and secure employment.
• Customized Training: WIOA allows for the funding of customized training programs tailored to the specific needs of employers and industries. This flexibility can benefit students in specialized workforce training.
• Support for Disadvantaged Individuals: WIOA places a strong emphasis on serving individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with low income, individuals with disabilities, and others. Funds can be directed toward supporting these populations in workforce training.
• On-the-Job Training: WIOA funds can be used to support on-the-job training initiatives. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are learning skills while working in a real-world job environment.
• Youth Programs: WIOA includes provisions for youth programs, providing opportunities for young individuals to gain essential skills and work experience. These programs may encompass education and training leading to in-demand occupations.
• Collaboration with Education Providers: WIOA encourages collaboration between workforce development boards and education providers to align training programs with the needs of local industries. This can enhance the effectiveness of workforce training pathways.

The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education administers adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community college programs under WIOA Title II. The State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program provides grants to assist states in operating statewide vocational rehabilitation programs.

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides states and territories with flexibility in operating programs designed to help low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Resources

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

WIOA

WIOA | Wikipedia

WIOA History | National Skills Coalition