Workforce Investment Act.
In 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), replacing the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) as the largest single source of federal funding for workforce development activities. WIA was to create a universal access system of one-stop career centers, which would provide access to training and employment services for a range of workers, including low-income adults, low-income youth, and dislocated workers.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Congress made substantial, badly-needed new investments in WIA. As Congress looks to reauthorize WIA in 2010 it will be an opportunity to help ensure our nation’s workers receive the services and supports they need to go back to work and begin rebuilding our economy. Ensuring that every U.S. worker has at least an industry certification, vocational degree or two years of college should be a national priority.
This page contains overview materials on WIA, as well as analysis and recommendations for reauthorization developed by National Skills Coaltion.
National Skills Platform and Overview
WIA Fact Sheet, 111th Congress | February 2009
Recommendations for WIA Reauthorization | February 2010
Building “Career Pathways” for Low-Skilled Workers Through the Workforce Investment Act | January 2010
Transition Recommendations to USDOL for immediate improvement of WIA, TAA | November 2008
Overview Materials:
- Overview of WIA (Title I) | Training Policy in Brief, 2007
- Overview of Adult Education and Family Literacy (Title II) | Training Policy in Brief, 2007
- Overview of Wagner-Peyser (Title III) | Training Policy in Brief, 2007
- Overview of Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants (Title IV) | Training Policy in Brief, 2007
