WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA) Customer Information Training Today…. For Employment Tomorrow Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium Updated: 3/2013 Each slide will advance after 20 seconds. The slide show will restart when it reaches the end. When you are done press the ESC key.

WHAT IS WIA? Federally funded training assistance Guided by Local Elected Officials Private sector dominated Workforce Investment Boards Designed to increase occupational skill levels of participants Improve quality of the workforce

TRAINING PROGRAMS Designed to prepare eligible adults and youth for Productive employment Designed to prepare youth for Successful completion of an academic program

SERVICES Tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual and employer May provide programs such as Educational or vocational training Workplace readiness skills On-the-job training or Work Experience Leadership training Academic attainment assistance Incentives and supportive services. Services provided are dependent upon the needs of each individual and are determined by the case manager and participant.

HOW TO GET SERVICES WIA is an ELIGIBILITY based program NOT an entitlement program Individuals not eligible for WIA services may still receive basic employment services through their local Workforce Center Basic employment services may include Resume preparation Interview skills Job referrals

HOW TO GET SERVICES Enrollment is based upon Eligibility requirements set forth by the Rural Workforce Consortium (based on federal regulations) Qualification for priority of service Verification of eligibility is required Determination of appropriateness Need for services to overcome barriers Candidates appearance of motivation and dedication to participate

WHO CAN GET SERVICES Adults who are US Citizens or registered alien eligible to work in the US 18 years old or older, unemployed or underemployed, low-income and-or is receiving public assistance; and, Is in need of additional assistance to enter sustainable employment *Additional criteria may be considered

WHO CAN GET SERVICES Dislocated Workers who US Citizens or registered alien eligible to work in the US Has been separated from employment through no fault of their own (layoff), is eligible to receive unemployment insurance and is unlikely to return to that occupation; or Employment ended due to plant closure; or Is a displaced homemaker *Additional criteria may be considered

WHO CAN GET SERVICES Youth who are US Citizens or registered alien eligible to work in the US Between 14 and 21 years old, In or out of school, Is low-income; and Is in need of additional assistance to complete a training program or obtain employment *Additional criteria may be considered

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA CONSIDERED Males born on or after 1/1/1960 must be registered with Selective Service Low-Income includes receiving public assistance (food stamps, TANF, SSI) Income guidelines are based upon the federal standards and change annually. Entire family income must be considered. Individuals with disabilities may be considered a family of one for income purposes. WIA is not an Entitlement program. Although an applicant may be determined eligible, appropriateness guidelines must be met prior to program acceptance.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA CONSIDERED A youth may automatically meet the eligibility guidelines if they are: A member of a family receiving food stamps and/or TANF Is in a publically supported foster care facility or home Is in a detention facility at the time of enrollment Youth must meet low-income guidelines and be faced with one or more documented barriers that inhibit the youth from participating in training or employment Youth Barriers OffenderHomeless / Runaway Pregnant/Parenting YouthHigh School graduate needing assistance to determine career path Foster CarePoor interpersonal/social skills High School Dropout or at risk of dropping outPoor personal appearance or hygiene Poor school attendance or has been suspended/expelledLacking skills or support to obtain/maintain employment Deficient in basic literary skillsLacks family support (emotional or financial) *Likelihood of follow through is also considered for program enrollment.