Job Seekers
A job seeker is anyone who is entering the workforce for the first time, interested in changing jobs, seeking a new job because of unemployment or looking to improve current job skills. In today's job market, education is the key to helping job seekers obtain a better job and higher wages. Services are available to adults, dislocated workers, youth and young adults (ages 14-24 years old).
Many of the programs are offered through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or other Department of Labor-funded programs. So, resources are available to offset all or most of the costs of training. A job seeker must meet certain eligibility requirements, meet with a case manager prior to enrollment to prepare an Individual Employment Plan and attend a pre-assessment workshop in order to receive funding for training.
Training Opportunities
The goal of SWWDB is to offer training that prepares the job seeker with the skills needed to be successful in today’s global workforce. SWWDB may make resources available to offset all or most of the cost of approved training programs to adults, dislocated workers, and young adults who have met the eligibility requirements. However, inclusion of a training program on the Statewide List of Certified Training Providers, in itself, does not guarantee that WIOA funds are available for enrollment.
The availability of WIOA funding for enrollment is based on many factors including assessment of an individual's employment needs and preparation of an Individual Employment Plan (IEP). The emphasis is on jobs that lead to self-sufficiency in demand occupations. Available programs may include:
- Occupational Skills Training: Job-related skill training at a technical college or other approved educational institution; programs may be certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree.
- Specialized Skills Training: Job-specific training in emerging occupational areas such as energy, weatherization, health care, and advanced manufacturing processes.
- Apprenticeship Training: A combination of on-the-job training and classroom-related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation in two-to five years.
- Adult Basic Education and Literacy Training: Individualized, small group, and classroom instruction to improve reading, writing, math and/or other basic skills for people who are basic skills deficient.
- High School Completion Programs: Instructional preparation to pass the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) requirements or the General Education Development (GED) test.
- English as a Second Language: English instruction to help immigrant populations learn to read, write, communicate, and solve problems at a level needed on the job.
- “Bridge” Instructional Programming: “Bridge” instruction helps adults with basic skills deficiencies by linking adult basic education or English Language Learning instruction with occupational skill attainment.
- Work Readiness Training: Instruction that is aligned to the knowledge and skills needed by workers to perform successfully on the job.
- Skill Upgrade and Retraining: Training opportunities designed to retrain for emerging industries or upgrade skills to be more competitive in a current occupation.
- Entrepreneurship Training: Training intended to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become competitive and successful business operators.
- Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) Education and Training Programs: (The TAA program helps workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade.)
Individuals who are interested in determining if they qualify for WIOA training funding should contact a case manager at the local Job Center to receive employment counseling, determine eligibility for WIOA funding, and explore the possibility of WIOA funding for the training listed.
Click SWWDB Job Centers for location and contact information of the SWWDB region. Note: Some services may be limited based on the availability of resources.
