Finding a better-paying job can be challenging when you do not have the skills or credentials employers want. Going back to school or completing career training may help, but the cost can make that option difficult for many workers and families.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law designed to improve access to employment, education, training, and workforce services. Through state and local workforce systems, WIOA can help eligible people prepare for jobs and develop skills needed by employers.
For workers who have been laid off, adults with limited incomes, young people facing employment barriers, and others trying to improve their career prospects, WIOA may provide useful resources.
What Is WIOA and How Does It Work?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act became law in 2014. It helps coordinate workforce development programs across the country and connects job seekers with employment and training resources.
Many WIOA services are available through American Job Centers. These centers operate throughout the United States, although they may have different local names.
Depending on a person's circumstances and the programs available locally, services may include:
- Career assessments
- Job-search assistance
- Résumé preparation
- Interview preparation
- Career counseling
- Skills assessments
- Occupational training
- Adult education connections
- Apprenticeship information
- Local labor-market information
Some people may only need assistance finding available jobs. Others may need training before they can qualify for a new occupation.
It is important to understand that visiting an American Job Center does not automatically mean someone will receive money for school. Eligibility requirements, funding availability, local policies, and individual circumstances can affect what assistance is available.
More Than Just Job Training
WIOA is broader than a program that helps pay for career school.
A worker might begin by completing a skills assessment and discussing career goals with workforce staff. The worker could then learn which occupations are hiring locally and whether additional training is needed.
This process can help people make more informed decisions before spending time or money on education.
Who Can Get Help Through WIOA?
WIOA includes programs serving several groups. Eligibility requirements depend on the particular program and service.
Three important groups include adults, dislocated workers, and eligible youth.
Adults
The WIOA Adult program provides employment and training services for adults who meet applicable requirements.
Certain services may be widely available, while training assistance can involve additional requirements. Federal rules also establish priorities for certain adult services when resources are limited, including some public-assistance recipients, low-income individuals, and people who are basic-skills deficient.
Workers should contact their local workforce system rather than assuming their income automatically makes them eligible or ineligible.
Dislocated Workers
WIOA also includes services for certain dislocated workers.
This may include people who have been laid off or affected by certain business closures and meet program requirements. Assistance can include career services, job-search support, and potentially training when appropriate.
Someone who worked in the same occupation for many years may discover that available jobs now require different skills. Workforce services can help that person explore which existing skills transfer to another occupation and whether additional training may be useful.
Young People
WIOA youth programs serve eligible young people who face certain barriers to education or employment.
Depending on the program, services can include education, training, work experiences, and career preparation.
Eligibility rules for youth programs can be detailed, so individuals and families should check with their local workforce organization for current requirements.
Can WIOA Help Pay for Career Training?
For some eligible participants, WIOA can provide access to occupational skills training when training is considered appropriate.
This can make education more accessible for people who need new skills to qualify for employment.
However, WIOA does not simply pay for any school or program someone chooses.
States maintain information about approved training options through an Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Programs on these lists must meet applicable requirements.
Training opportunities may be available in areas such as: Healthcare Manufacturing Transportation and logistics Information technology Skilled trades Business and administrative occupations
Available programs vary by state and local workforce area.
Check Before Enrolling
Anyone hoping to receive WIOA assistance should consider contacting an American Job Center before paying tuition or signing an enrollment agreement.
A school can be legitimate without every program being eligible for WIOA funding. Being interested in an approved program also does not guarantee that an individual will receive financial assistance.
Useful questions to ask workforce staff include: Do I meet the eligibility requirements? Is training appropriate for my employment goals? Which programs are currently eligible? Is funding currently available? What documents do I need? Are there limits on training costs?
Getting this information early can help workers avoid choosing a program that does not qualify.
What Other Assistance Could Be Available?
Tuition is not the only obstacle people face when completing career training.
Transportation, child care, required materials, and other expenses can make participation difficult. Depending on eligibility, local rules, program requirements, and available funding, some WIOA participants may have access to supportive services.
Because assistance varies by location, workers should explain any barriers they face when speaking with workforce staff.
People considering college or eligible career education can also investigate other resources. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may help determine eligibility for federal student aid, including the Federal Pell Grant.
Different programs have different requirements, so exploring multiple resources before paying for training can be worthwhile.
How to Find WIOA Services Near You
A practical first step is locating an American Job Center in your area. The national workforce system is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, while state and local organizations administer many services.
When contacting a center, explain your employment situation and what you hope to accomplish.
You might tell staff that you:
- Recently lost your job
- Want to change careers
- Have difficulty finding steady work
- Need a credential for a particular occupation
- Want to explore an apprenticeship
- Need additional skills before applying for better jobs
You may need to provide documents so staff can determine eligibility for particular programs.
Before selecting training, also research employment opportunities in your area. Consider whether employers are actually hiring for the occupation and what education or credentials they require.
WIOA Could Help You Plan Your Next Career Step
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act gives eligible workers access to a workforce system built around employment, education, career services, and training.
For some people, that may mean help searching for work. For others, it could include career guidance or access to approved occupational training.
WIOA assistance is not guaranteed, and eligibility, funding, services, and training opportunities can vary. However, workers do not have to assume that paying for career training entirely on their own is their only option.
Before enrolling in a program, consider contacting an American Job Center and asking about WIOA eligibility, approved training opportunities, and available services.
Learning what resources exist before spending money can help you make a more informed decision about your education and your next career move.
