WIOA: Helping People Get the Skills They Need for Jobs
Have you ever thought about how people learn the skills to do different jobs? From coding a video game to fixing a car, people need training and experience. That’ s where the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, comes in. Think of WIOA as a guide for how our country helps people get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs.
WIOA is a law that was passed in 2014. It’ s helps determine and fund how states and local areas should help people find jobs and improve their skills. It’ s all about making sure everyone has a chance to succeed in the workforce.
Unfortunately, as of the end of last year, WIOA hasn’ t been reauthorized and sits in limbo in Congress. Reauthorization is important because it gives lawmakers a chance to make sure WIOA is still helping people get the skills they need to succeed in the everchanging job market. It may be the single most important federal legislation to ensure that American workers and employers stay strong and world-leading.
WIOA focuses on several key services:
• Adult Education: Sometimes, people need to go back to school or get their GED. WIOA supports programs that help adults improve their basic skills, like reading and math, so they can get better jobs.
• Job Training: WIOA helps fund programs that teach people valuable skills. These programs can help people learn everything from computer skills to construction work. They can also help people get certifications that prove they have the skills employers are looking for.
• Job Search Assistance: Finding a job can be tough. WIOA supports career centers where people can get help with writing resumes, practicing for interviews, and searching for job openings. These centers are like one-stop shops for job seekers.
• Youth Programs: WIOA recognizes that young people need help getting started in their careers. It supports programs that offer things like tutoring, mentoring, and work experience to help young people prepare for the future.
• Helping People with Disabilities: WIOA makes sure that people with disabilities have access to the same job training and support services as everyone else.
Laws like WIOA don’ t last forever. They need to be reviewed and updated every few years. This is called“ reauthorization.” It’ s a chance to make sure the law is still working well and to make changes if needed.
When Congress reauthorizes WIOA, they look at things like:
• What’ s working well: Are the programs helping people find jobs?
• What needs improvement: Are there any gaps in services?
• Are there new challenges: Are there new skills that people need for the jobs of the future?
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