Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), passed in July of 2014, replaced the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and amended the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The purpose of WIOA is to connect job seekers to employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market.

WIOA requires states to create four-year state plans that provide guidance on how states will invest in the workforce development system and provide the framework and direction for Maine’s workforce system. Having an approved WIOA 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.

Maine’s four-year 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.

WIOA Final Rules

WIOA Core Programs

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 via Local Workforce Boards
  • Provides training and supportive services, such as childcare and needs-related payments, to prepare and connect workers to good jobs
  • The Adult program prioritizes low-income individuals, recipients of public assistance, and basic skill deficiencies
  • The Dislocated worker program helps workers overcome barriers to re-employment after separation
  • The Youth program (16-24) prioritizes services for out-of-school youth with barriers to employment
• Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program
  • Administered by Maine Department of Education, 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 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
  • 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