The document provides an overview of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and how it supports workforce development through various programs aimed at employers, including on-the-job training and apprenticeships. It details the federal-state-local workforce system, highlighting how local workforce development boards manage American Job Centers to assist job seekers and employers. Ultimately, WIOA aims to connect workers with the necessary resources to succeed while helping employers address talent shortages effectively.

1. Emma Bush, Ed.D.
Bush@workforcecg.com
WIOA Workforce Solutions
Understanding the Federal-State-Local Workforce System
and Why It Matters to Companies with Talent Shortages

2. Workforce Insights in 5 Minutes
SPEEDY SOLUTIONS SERIES | WIOA Workforce Solutions
For further insights on addressing talent shortages, see
"The Talent Shortage Myth" in this series.

3. This deck provides a comprehensive
overview of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs,
detailing how each initiative can benefit
employers. It outlines how WIOA
supports workforce development through
various programs, including On-the-Job
Training (OJT), apprenticeships,
customized training, and supportive
services.
By leveraging these programs,
employers can address talent
shortages, enhance their workforce’s
skills, and improve overall productivity.
The deck highlights the overview of the
federal workforce system, and key
benefits of each WIOA program,
demonstrating how these initiatives can
help employers find, train, and retain
skilled workers to meet their business
needs effectively.
About This Deck

4. How Does the Federal Workforce System Work?
DOL, WIOA, LWDBs, and AJCs Explained
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), administered by the
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), is implemented through Local Workforce
Development Boards (LWDBs) which manage American Job Centers (AJCs)
to provide employment and training services that align workforce skills with
employer needs.
The DOL's budget is allocated to various state and local agencies to deliver
these workforce services, with WIOA being one of the key programs funded.
The federal workforce system works by distributing funds from the DOL to
state workforce agencies, which then allocate resources to LWDBs.
These boards oversee the operations of AJCs, ensuring that job seekers
receive comprehensive support such as job search assistance, career
counseling, and training programs, while also helping employers find and
train qualified candidates to meet their workforce needs.

5. The Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law
that aims to strengthen and improve
the nation's public workforce system. It
provides funding and resources to
support employment and training
services for job seekers, workers, and
employers, with a focus on promoting
economic growth and ensuring a skilled
workforce. In FY 2023 approximately $4
billion was allocated for WIOA state
grants.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) collaborates
with federal agencies such as the
U.S. Departments of Education (ED)
and Health and Human Services
(HHS) to oversee the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA) program. ETA’s 2024 budget
request is $11.8 billion.
WDBs are established for every state and
local area in the US and its territories. They
are a central component of the WIOA
program. Operating at the state and local
levels, WDBs are business-led and offer
flexibility for localities to set workforce
policies and goals. There are 593 local
WIBs and 53 State and territorial WIBs.
U.S. Department of
Labor (DOL)
Employment and
Training
Administration (ETA)
Local Workforce
Development
Boards (WDBs)
AJCs are a key component of the
Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act
(WIOA), providing free assistance to
jobseekers for a variety of career and
employment-related needs. Services may
include interview practice, employment
workshops, hiring events and resource
rooms with phones and internet.
Approximately 2,300 AJCs nationwide.
Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act
(WIOA)
American Job
Centers (AJCs)
The info below aim to explain the relationship and
functioning of the core components of the federal
workforce system, highlighting how the DOL, WIOA,
LWDBs, and AJCs work together to meet workforce needs.
The National Workforce System

6. These boards are
appointed by local
elected officials and
certified by the governor
every two years.
Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) are integral to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA) framework, managing the over 2,300 American Job Centers across the United States.
About the Local Workforce Development Board
 There are approximately *550 Local
Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) in
the United States.
 Their primary responsibilities include setting
policies, overseeing workforce programs,
and ensuring the efficient use of federal
funds.
 LWDBs tailor their strategies to meet local
labor market needs.
 Their goal is to foster a skilled and competitive
workforce that meets the demands of the local
economy.
 By managing American Job Centers and
coordinating various workforce initiatives,
LWDBs help bridge the gap between job seekers
and employers, facilitating a more efficient and
effective labor market.
Source: *National Association of Workforce Boards

7. Authority and Funding
WIOA authorizes the following core programs under the
workforce development system:
 Title I - Workforce development programs, including:
 Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
 WIOA Youth Program
 Title II - Adult Education and Literacy programs
 Title III - Wagner-Peyser Employment Service
 Title IV - Vocational Rehabilitation state grant programs

8. Consider These WIOA Programs
Description: Employers receive
financial reimbursement for training
new hires on the job.
Benefits for Employers: Reduces
training costs, increases productivity,
and improves employee retention.
On-the-Job Training
Description: Combines paid work
experience with classroom instruction.
Benefits for Employers: Develops highly
skilled workers, reduces turnover, and
provides a pipeline for future talent.
Apprenticeship Programs
Customized Training
Description: Training designed to meet
specific employer needs.
Benefits for Employers: Tailored job
training to business requirements, and
specific skills needed for occupations.
Description: Training programs aimed
at improving the skills of existing
employees.
Benefits for Employers: Increases
productivity, reduces turnover, and
prepares workers for advancement.
Description: Provides education,
training, and employment services to
young people.
Benefits for Employers: Access to
young talent, opportunities to shape the
future workforce, and potential
financial incentives for training.
Youth Programs
Employer Services
Business Services: Support in recruiting,
hiring, and training employees.
Labor Market Information: Access to
data on employment trends and job
market conditions.
Tax Credits and Incentives: Financial
incentives for hiring and training workers.
Incumbent Worker Training
These programs aim to bridge the skills gap, enhance workforce development, and support employers by providing
financial assistance, tailored training, and access to a diverse talent pool.

9. Supportive Services under WIOA
Supportive services are critical components of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA), designed to help individuals successfully complete
their training and secure employment. These services address various barriers
to employment and training, ensuring that participants can fully engage in
workforce development activities.
Key Aspects of Supportive Services
Types of Supportive Services:
 Childcare and Dependent Care: Provides support for participants
who need care services for their children or dependents while they
attend training or work.
 Transportation Assistance: Helps participants travel to and from
training or job locations.
 Housing Assistance: Offers help in finding or maintaining stable
housing.
 Health and Medical Services: Covers necessary medical expenses,
including physical and mental health services, that might otherwise
prevent participation.
 Work-Related Expenses: Includes uniforms, tools, books, and other
materials required for training or employment.
 Counseling and Mentoring: Provides guidance and support to address
personal and professional challenges.

10. This deck is not all inclusive, but only an overview of the federal
workforce system and WIOA services. The purpose is to help employers
better understand the public workforce system and how they can benefit
from the resources. The central message is that Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has two primary goals. These are:
1. Connect job seekers with the employment, education, training and
supportive services they need to succeed in the labor market.
2. Help employers find skilled workers so that companies can remain
globally competitive.
WIOA and the American Job Centers provides valuable resources for
addressing the talent shortage and building a skilled workforce.
Next Steps: To learn more about how to access these resources, explore
WIOA programs through the local workforce development board in your
state and county.
Contact Information:
Dr. Emma Bush | Bush@workforcecg.com
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