Tools for Recovery – Workforce Development

Training Resources Community Colleges Technical Schools WorkSource WIA Programs Incumbent Worker Training Funds

Job Skills Program Coordinated by local community college(s) Customized, short-term and job-specific training Program pays up to 50% of cost and participating companies provide dollar-for- dollar cash or in-kind matches for balance

Three Types of Training –New employees for facility openings and expansions –Retraining current employees to prevent layoffs and promote employer competitiveness –Upgrade current employees skills for promotional opportunities and create vacancies for new hires

Worker Retraining Financial and training aid for dislocated and unemployed workers and displaced homemakers Offered through local community college(s) Focused on students needing retraining in order to reenter the workforce

Requirements for Worker Retraining –Full or part-time student in vocational, technical, or short-term training program –Receiving UI benefits or have exhausted benefits within last 24 months –Maintain 2.0 gpa and complete at least 50% of coursework each quarter

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Programs Adult Program –Provides Short-Term Training and Support Services –Requirements Unemployed Barriers to Employment Income Based Eligibility

Dislocated Worker Program –Provides Short-term Training and Relocation Assistance –Requirements Laid Off or Received Notice of Layoff Receiving or Exhausted Unemployment Benefits Were Self-employed Displaced Homemaker Occupation is No Longer in Demand Need to Upgrade Skills in order to Return to Work

Incumbent Worker Training Funds Funding from Governor’s 10% Discretionary Funds Employers provide a 50% match of requested funds through employee’s salary, replacement salaries, facility or equipment usage Funds are for specific time periods, ending with program year dates of June 30

Requirements for Incumbent Worker Funds –Local Employer or Industry Driven Training Needs –Employees must be Eligible to Work (Citizenship) and registered for Selective Service –Documentation of Certificates/Credentials Earned –Training Must Be Completed by End of Funding Period

Successful Completion –Wage Increase –Completing Licensing Requirements –Industry Skills Certificates or Credential –Attainment of Industry/Business Occupational Skill Standards –Job Retention

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) All WIA Programs will be receiving retraining funds connected to ARRA Currently have only received funds for Youth Normal Eligibility Requirements apply Youth are connected to a work site matching their career interest Wages are paid through the ARRA Funds Averages 7-8 Weeks of Work per Youth

Who To Contact for Further Information Washington Workforce Association Information on the Association and Location of Local Workforce Development Councils