How WIOA Works: Using WIOA Funds for Online Workforce Training

How WIOA Works: Using WIOA Funds for Online Workforce Training

While nearly everyone in the U.S. has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in some way, nearly 40 million people have lost their job since the outbreak began. For job seekers today, the path to a new career might start with a WIOA grant for workforce training.

Why is WIOA important for job seekers?

For some job seekers, being at home might mean more opportunities to search for jobs. For others, being at home means they lack the opportunity to train for a new change or prepare for a career change. The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) was designed and funded by the United States Department of Labor with these folks in mind.

Displaced or laid-off workers can receive workforce training to enter new careers. Participants receive education grants for up to $4,000 if this money is put toward a training programs that prepares for an in-demand career. WIOA also provides job search services like résumé writing and interview assistance among other things.

You can learn more about WIOA in our blog “What is WIOA?”

Can I use WIOA for online training?

Absolutely! WIOA supports many programs designed to prepare job seekers for in-demand careers, including online training. Online training allows you to practice safe social distancing by learning from your own home.

Many of our partner schools are listed as an Eligible Training Provider, meaning their ed2go courses can be used for WIOA-funded workforce training. Ed2go courses are offered entirely online, taught by experts in each career field, and have successfully helped to prepare thousands of adult learners for new careers. 

What are some of the in-demand careers that WIOA supports?

WIOA provides funding for training in industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing, and others. Each state will vary and funding is dependent on demand in that particular location.

However, occupations such as pharmacy technician, medical billing and coding specialist, IT support technician, systems administrator, cybersecurity expert, administrative professional, HR specialist, project manager, customer service representative, HVACR technician, electrician, and others have been approved for training programs using WIOA funding.

How do I get started with WIOA?

The best way to get started with WIOA is to determine your eligibility. Each state has different requirements for their WIOA programs, so you’ll want to see what your state’s requirements are using the U.S. Department of Labor’s Career One Stop site.

You can also look up approved training partners or contact ed2go at (855) 520-6806 to learn which of our courses in your area are approved on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List.

To learn more about our WIOA-approved courses, fill out this form and our workforce specialist will be in touch immediately.