Job & Family Services Office of Workforce Development
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
In 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to reform federal job training programs and create a new, comprehensive workforce investment system. The reformed system is intended to be customer-focused, to help Americans access the tools they need to manage their careers through information and high quality services, and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers. The 7 Principles of the Workforce Investment Act include:
  1. Strong Role for Boards and Private Sector
  2. State and Local Flexibility
  3. Streamlined One-Stop Services
  4. Universal Access
  5. Empowering Individuals
  6. Increased Accountability
  7. Connections Between School and Work

It's Working!

 During the last program year, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs provided services to
over 51,818 adults,
dislocated workers, and youth.

Through WIA programs,
 3,055 youth
obtained industry-recognized certificates and diplomas.

In Ohio, WIA local control and decision-making is maximized through effective state and local partnerships that foster continuous improvement of the workforce development system. WIA services are provided through local One-Stop Centers.

WIA provides the framework for a workforce development system that is designed to meet the needs of employers, job seekers and current workers who want to advance their careers. The goal of WIA is to increase participant employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skill attainment.

WIA Programs -  WIA employment and training services target adults, dislocated workers, and youth who must be: 

Adults - Eligible to work in the United States, over the age of 18 and, if applicable, registered for Selective Service.

Dislocated Workers - Individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own.

Youth - Low-income youth between the ages of 14-21 who are:

  1. Deficient in basic literacy skills
  2. Homeless
  3. School Dropout
  4. Ex-Offender
  1. Runaway
  2. Foster Child
  3. Pregnant or a Parent
Employer Services - Assists businesses to find good employees, fund training on and off the job to improve the quality of their workforce, and administer tax credits that are available to businesses when they hire certain workers.

Related Information:
  1. Excellence & Outcomes 
  2. Governance & Oversight 
  3. National WIA Performance Information
  4. Ohio Allocations & Expenses 
  5. Ohio Policy & Guidance
  6. Ohio Program Performance
  7. State Strategic Plan
  8. State Training for Workforce Professionals
  9. WIA: Learn More About It!
For More Information:
Office of Workforce Development
P.O. Box 1618
Columbus, OH 43216-1618
Fax: 614-728-8366
Phone: 1-888-296-7541, Option # 3
Email:WIAQNA@jfs.ohio.gov
                                                                                                                                    Last Update 11/18/2011