What is WIOA? A Quick Guide to Training for Your Next Job
The coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted our workforce. For many, this means the added stress of financial worries and even the loss of jobs. If you find yourself unemployed right now, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (or WIOA for short) can help you train for jobs in your area.
WIOA provides jobseekers with funding for workforce training programs to gain in-demand skills. You just need to know how to access it.
What is WIOA?
The WIOA was signed by President Barak Obama in 2014 to help Americans gain employment in high-quality careers. The program streamlines the processes between government agencies, training organizations and job services locations.
WIOA can be more simply summed up in six points:
- WIOA increases your opportunities for employment, education, training, and job support.
- WIOA aligns job services, education, and development to improve your career success.
- WIOA improves the quality of job services and education so you can get the credentials you need to land a job that will provide you with enough wages to support your family.
- WIOA improves the structure of employment services so you can be sure you’re getting the skills you need for jobs that are in-demand.
- WIOA increases your prosperity by supporting training for growing careers.
- WIOA invests in activities that increase employment, retention and earnings to improve the quality of the workforce.
With WIOA, you’ll get improved access to the job training and education that you need to get the job you want in a great and lasting career.
How does WIOA work?
WIOA seeks to increase employment, retention and earnings of its participants. The WIOA also aligns businesses and training programs to ensure that people are getting training for jobs that are in-demand.
As a participant, you will be directed toward training for jobs in industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and manufacturing.
How do I get training with WIOA funding?
The WIOA program provides workforce investment activities through statewide and local systems, so you need to take courses approved on your state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
Being an “eligible training provider” means that academic institutions are approved under WIOA regulation to offer workforce training courses.
Who’s qualified for WIOA?
The WIOA federal grant is designed to cover training expenses for people who have been laid off or whose household income is at or below the federal poverty level.
It’s designed to benefit you if you are:
- A job seeker
- Recently laid off
- An older youth
- An incumbent worker
- New to the workforce
- A veteran
- Disabled
It also benefits employers by helping them fill jobs with highly-trained, skilled workers.
How can I get started with WIOA?
The process of being approved and getting started in a program can take several weeks, so it’s important to determine your eligibility and find a course approved on your state’s ETPL.
To learn more about our WIOA-approved training courses, fill out this form and our workforce specialist will be in touch immediately.
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