Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Much of what the SWB does is governed by federal statute, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In general, the Act took effect on July 1, 2015. Currently the state’s work is guided by the 2024 – 2027 WIOA Unified State Plan, which outlines the work and direction of the required WIOA Partners.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was passed in July of 2014 and replaced the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). The purpose of WIOA was to connect job seekers to employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market. (Paragraph break) In accordance with WIOA, states are required to create four-year state plans, that provide guidance on how states will invest in the workforce development system. Having an approved State Plan is a requirement to receive federal funding for the core programs. States are required to re-evaluate the plan after two years and provide modifications.
The Law
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (Hyperlink: STATUTE-128-Pg1425.pdf
Heading WIOA Purpose and Core Partners
- Maine’s four-year Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified Plan is the strategic and operational plan for enhancing Maine’s workforce. This plan is developed with the intent of continuing the success of Maine’s businesses and helping people whose employment barriers have kept them from thriving in this economy.
- Maine’s WIOA plan establishes the long-term agenda for Maine’s workforce development system. This plan covers the following programs authorized by WIOA:
- Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth programs
- Administered by Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services (BES) via Local Workforce Boards
- Provide training and supportive services, such as child care and needs-related payments, to prepare and connect workers to good jobs.
- Adult program – Prioritizes low income, recipients of public assistance, and basic skill deficient
- Dislocated worker program- helps workers overcome barriers to re-employment after separation.
- Youth program (16-24)- Prioritizes services for out of school youth w/ barriers to employment; waiver in place to serve more in-school
- Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program
- Administered by DOE/Adult Education
- Services include literacy, ESOL, high school diploma or equivalency, college transitions, and workforce training
- Title III Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
- Administered by Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services (BES) via CareerCenters
- Services for jobseekers include labor market information, job search tools and assistance, referrals to employment/training, etc.
- Services for employers include Maine JobLink, hiring events, targeted recruiting, connection to training and retention supports, etc.
- Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Administered by Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)
- Includes Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired
- Services to individuals who require assistance to overcome disability-related barriers to employment