Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)
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Overview
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers secure the employment, education, training and support services necessary to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.
Every year the core programs that form the pillars of WIOA help tens of millions of job seekers and workers connect to good jobs and acquire the skills and credentials needed to obtain them. With the implementation of WIOA, the Texas workforce system will continue to be a market-driven system, responding to the needs of employers and preparing workers for jobs that are available now and in the future.
WIOA authorizes and brings together the following core programs of federal investment under the workforce development system:
- Employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers and youth
- Wagner-Peyser employment services
- Adult education and literacy programs
- Vocational Rehabilitation state grant programs that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment
WIOA Implementation
On August 19, 2016, the Departments of Labor and Education published the WIOA Final Regulations, as follows:
- WIOA: Joint Rule for Unified and Combined State Plans, Performance Accountability, and the One-Stop System Joint Provisions – Final Rule
- WIOA: Department of Labor- Title I & III – Final Rule
- Programs and Activities Authorized by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (Title II of WIOA) – Final Rule
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program; State Supported Employment Services Program; Limitations on Use of Subminimum Wage – Final Rule
- WIOA: Miscellaneous Program Changes – Final Rule
WIOA Combined State Plan
WIOA requires states to jointly develop and submit a single four-year plan for achieving the workforce goals of the state. The plan reflects the state’s goals and strategies to:
- Align, coordinate and integrate education, employment and training programs
- Guide investments to ensure that training and services are meeting the needs of employers and individuals
- Engage economic, education and workforce partners in improving the workforce development system
TWC’s Combined State Plan for WIOA for Program Years 2016–2019 (Plan) includes information for the six WIOA core programs, as well as other programs administered by TWC, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program and Wagner-Peyser Agricultural Outreach.
Texas submitted the Plan to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor on April 1, 2016, and the Plan was approved by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education on October 20, 2016. Additional plan amendments and modifications have been made to:
- Change the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) designated state agency to TWC and combine the former DARS Division for Rehabilitation Services and Division for Blind Services, as required by Senate Bill 208, 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2015)
- Redesignate the Alamo and Coastal Bend workforce development areas (workforce areas), moving McMullen County from the Coastal Bend workforce area to the Alamo workforce area, as approved by Governor Greg Abbott
The most recent modification of the Combined State Plan (CSP) was approved by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education on September 22, 2017, and is included here.
WIOA Guidance
The WIOA Guide to Texas Workforce System Operations provides information on the methods by which WIOA reinforces the partnerships and strategies used by Workforce Solutions Offices to serve customers and provides information on how infrastructure and additional costs are determined and paid for by workforce partners in a local workforce system.
- WIOA Guide to Texas Workforce System Operations (Effective October 18, 2017
- WIOA Guide to Texas Workforce System Operations
(Effective October 18, 2017) showing track changes
The WIOA Guidelines for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth provides Boards with criteria and documentation sources for establishing WIOA Title I program eligibility for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.
- WIOA Guidelines for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth (Effective August 31, 2017)
- WIOA Guidelines for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth (Effective August 31, 2017) showing track changes
WIOA One-Stop Certification
WIOA requires all Workforce Solutions Offices in each local workforce development area to be certified by TWC once every three years. All Workforce Solutions Offices must be certified by December 31, 2017, using the One-Stop Certification form provided below. Submit the completed form via e-mail to Board.Relations@twc.state.tx.us.
WIOA Eligibility
The following WIOA eligibility references are effective starting July 1, 2015. The selective service desk reference remains valid for WIOA basic eligibility purposes.
- WIOA Eligibility Documentation Log
- WIOA Income Guidelines
- Selective Service Registration
- High Poverty Areas in Texas by County
The Data Element Review outlines the documentation required for validating WIOA eligibility.
WIOA Self-Sufficiency Wage Levels
WIOA participants who are employed, but are not receiving self-sufficiency wages, may be eligible for WIOA training services. The U.S. Department of Labor’s 100 percent Lower Living Standard Income Level (LLSIL) guidelines can be used to set minimum criteria for determining whether WIOA Title I participants receive self-sufficiency wages in their local areas.
Training Provider Requirements
WIOA requires training providers who want to receive WIOA funds to apply for certification and be included on the Statewide List of Certified Training Providers, which includes all training programs that are currently approved by one or more Workforce Development Boards and certified by TWC. Training providers must submit and receive approval of a Provider Assurance Statement to obtain access to the online application system.
Each board selects its providers of youth activities on a competitive basis and based on the recommendations of each Board’s Youth Council. Chosen providers are awarded grants or contracts.