The federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) supersedes the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and encompasses such federal training acts as the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the Wagner-Peyser Act. These, and others like them, call for a partnership of public agencies and private employers to plan and deliver training programs for unemployed workers, dislocated workers, or workers who have had previous difficulty in getting or keeping work. The program gives each state block grants targeting adult employment and training, disadvantaged youth employment and training, adult education, and family literacy programs. The federal government retains oversight, reviews state programs, and rejects those that don't meet WIA's standards.
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Download Now The WIA requires that each state establish a state partnership made up of the state's governor; his or her representatives; and representatives of business, labor, youth activity organizations, vocation and adult education, state agency officials, and state legislators.
Each state must establish a one-stop training system with at least one center in each local area that provides core services, including determination of eligibility, outreach, intake and orientation, skill level assessment, case management assistance, job search and placement, and information regarding job opportunities and the performance of local providers.
Employers that train workers through this system are eligible for grants, significant tax credits, and other benefits. There are further details on the federal WIA.
The Department of Commerce/Office of Workforce Development administers and enforces job training programs.