Workforce Investment Act

Workforce Investment Act

Speaking Notes:

This presentation is brought to you by Workforce Escarosa and is designed to provide an informational overview of the Workforce Investment Act.

Topics covered will include:

What is the Workforce Investment Act? What educational opportunities are provided through the Workforce Investment Act? How do I know if I am eligible for assistance through the Workforce Investment Act? How do I apply for assistance through the Workforce Investment Act? 1Workforce Investment Act (WIA)The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require some type of post-high school training credential. What is the Workforce Investment Act?

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 rewrote federal statues governing programs of job training, adult education, literacy and vocational rehabilitation.

The Act is designed to empower individuals and provide training opportunities in high-demand occupations to increase employment, retention and earning potential among participants.

The goals of the WIA program are to build a skilled workforce that employers need while enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the nations economy.

Speaking Notes:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that by the year 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require some type of post-high school training credential.

The Workforce Investment Act is a federal law signed into effect in 1998 in an effort to streamline employment and training programs throughout the United States. This Act is designed to empower individuals and provide training opportunities in high-demand occupations.

The three main goals of the WIA program are to improve the quality of workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nations economy. These goals can all be accomplished by providing the appropriate resources, training and support services to individuals who have barriers in obtaining or retaining employment.

The top five WIA program enrollments are Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Electricians, Computer Support Specialists and Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) Mechanics. 2Workforce Investment Act (WIA)The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require some type of post-high school training credential. What educational opportunities are provided?

Through the WIA program, eligible individuals may receive financial assistance to help cover tuition, textbooks, uniforms, supplies, physicals/immunizations, as well as licensure and/or certification fees.

WIA participants also receive career counseling, assessment testing and job search assistance provided through a Workforce Escarosa (WIA) Career Advisor.

Participants must choose a training program from the WIA Approved List of Programs & Providers. The list features over 130 programs at 12 area providers. Updated versions of the list are available by logging on to www.workforceescarosa.com.

Speaking Notes:

Services provided through Workforce Escarosas WIA Program are based on need determination. Eligible individuals may receive financial assistance to help cover tuition expenses (not to exceed $4,000 per year). Additional support services may also assist with the cost of textbooks, uniforms, supplies, physicals & immunizations, as well as licensure and certification fees.

Participants will also receive career counseling, assessment testing and job search assistance provided through a Workforce Escarosa WIA Career Advisor. Monthly contact with an assigned WIA Career Advisor is required among WIA program participants.

Once determined eligible, WIA participants must pursue training from an approved program of study. The most recently updated version of the WIA Approved List of Programs & Providers is available on the Workforce Escarosa website at www.workforceescarosa.com.

The list of approved programs and providers features over 130 programs at 12 area educational institutions. Available programs are based on occupations determined to be in-demand for our particular region. 3Workforce Investment Act (WIA)The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require some type of post-high school training credential. How do I know if I am eligible for assistance?

In order to be qualified for assistance through the WIA program you must fall into one of the following categories:

Dislocated WorkerIndividuals who have been recently laid off or received notification of an upcoming layoff.

WIA AdultIndividuals between the ages of 18-72. Must be unemployed or employed at or below 200% of the Lower Living Standard Income (LLSIL), according to family size. To view the LLSIL chart, log on to www.workforceescarosa.com.

Speaking Notes:

To be eligible for services provided through the WIA program you must be a resident of either Escambia or Santa Rosa County, Florida and must be classified as a Dislocated Worker or meet the minimum household income requirements.

A Dislocated Worker is defined as an individual who has been terminated or laid off and is eligible for or has exhausted Unemployment Compensation and is unlikely to return to his/her previous industry or occupation.

-Individuals who have received notice of an impending termination or layoff due to permanent business closure -Individuals who are self-employed and have lost substantial business due to a economic or natural disaster-Displaced Homemakers -Military Spouses who have lost employment due to relocation

may also fall into this category.

Individuals who do not meet the criteria for a Dislocated Worker may fall into the WIA Adult category. A WIA Adult is classified as an individual between the ages of 18-72 who is either unemployed or employed at or below 200 percent of the Lower Living Standard Income Level, according to family size. For example, a family of four cannot exceed an annual income of $67,012. To view the entire Lower Living Standard Income Level chart, log on to the Workforce Escarosa website at www.workforceescarosa.com.

Once initial eligibility requirements are met, a Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) will be administered. Required scores are program-specific and vary among area providers.

4Workforce Investment Act (WIA)The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require some type of post-high school training credential. How do I apply for assistance?

Determine initial eligibility (Dislocated Worker or WIA Adult)

Choose a training program from the WIA Approved List of Training Programs & Providers

To be eligible for assistance through the WIA program, all participants must register on the Employ Florida Marketplace at www.employflorida.com

Complete WIA Eligibility Questionnaire available by logging on to www.workforceescarosa.com

Speaking Notes:

Those interested in applying for assistance through the Workforce Investment Act should first determine initial eligibility based on whether or not they meet minimum household income requirements or can be classified Dislocated Worker.

Applicants should then choose a training program from the WIA Approved List of Training Programs & Providers. If you are experiencing difficulty determining a suitable training program, career assessments are available to test your skills, interests and abilities.

To be considered for the WIA program, applicants must also complete a full registration on the Employ Florida Marketplace at www.employflorida.com

Lastly, WIA applicants must complete the WIA Eligibility Questionnaire available on the Workforce Escarosa website.

One submitted, your questionnaire will be reviewed by the Workforce Escarosa WIA Coordinator. If initial eligibility requirements are met, a Workforce Escarosa WIA Career Advisor will contact you within 2 weeks of your submission. Final eligibility for the WIA program will be determined based on the documentation provided during the intake process.

Please note, only those applicants who meet initial WIA eligibility requirements will be contacted.

5Workforce Investment ActBelinda Todd, WIA Program CoordinatorPhone: 850-607-8751 Email: btodd@escarosa.org

Speaking Notes:

This concludes our presentation on the Workforce Investment Act. If you have additional questions, please contact our WIA Program Coordinator or visit your nearest Workforce Escarosa One-Stop Center. 6