Adult/Dislocated Workers
The Workforce Investment Act
Low-income adult and dislocated workers can access reemployment services through Western Iowa Tech’s Adult/Dislocated Worker Services. Self-service workshops, and staff assisted core services are available to all individuals meeting the basic definition of low-income adult or dislocated worker. Intensive services such as skill upgrades in using a computer, assistance in obtaining a GED and training services such as obtaining an associates degree in marketing management may be available to qualifying adult and dislocated workers.
The focus of all services available through the Adult/Dislocated Worker Program is to assist the individual in getting into the right job as quickly as possible using the services and resources necessary.
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 restructured a multitude of workforce development programs into an integrated Workforce Development Center that is better able to respond to the employment needs of its customers.
The most important aspect of the Act is its focus on meeting the need of business for skilled workers, and the training, education, and employment needs of individuals.
Under WIA, the vision for Iowa's Workforce Development Center system is to provide an efficient, effective and convenient system for:
- Job-seekers to find jobs
- Employers to locate new workers
- Job-seekers and employers to access information that will assist them in developing their career and business plans
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) assists individuals in the use of resource center tools to assess his or her skill level and access information about job openings for which he or she is qualified. These services are available to any job seeker, regardless of income level or employment status. Any job seeker is also able to utilize resource center assistance to develop a resume, improve job hunting skills, learn how to file and unemployment insurance claims, and get information about employment training programs' cost and performance. These are some of the WIA core services.
If after utilizing core services, an individual cannot obtain a job, he or she may be eligible for intensive services under WIA or other programs, Examples of such services include individual career counseling, job seeking skills classes, skill assessment, and job development assistance.
If the use of the intensive services does not result in a job, participants may qualify for training funds and services.
