WIOA (Workforce Innocation and Opportunity Act)

WIOA offers workforce activities and services to job seekers, laid off or incumbent workers, youth, veterans, displaced homemakers, self-employed individuals, persons with disabilities and employers. The purpose of WIOA activities are to increase job retention, earning, occupational skills and improve the quality of the workforce and reduce welfare dependency.

The Adult program focuses on individuals who are either unemployed or underemployed to help them gain the skills needed to obtain employment with higher wages. Under this category, certain eligibility factors, including income must be met.

The Dislocated Worker Program serves workers who have been terminated or laid off (at no fault of their own) and are unlikely to return to their previous occupation, or terminated or laid off due to mass layoff or a plant closing. This program also serves military spouses, displaced homemakers, who due to certain situations, such as divorce or the death of a spouse, are no longer supported by the income of that family member.

Free services offered to individuals that meet certain eligibility guidelines may include:

• Funds for education/training (books, tuition, lab fees, and some specialized testing)

• Individual career guidance and counseling

• Labor market information

• On-the-job training

• Skills upgrade

To find out if YOU quality for Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, please contact your local office!