Workforce Investment Act

Program Description

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, is designed to provide quality employment and training services to assist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment, and to help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.

Goals

• To increase employment, as measured by entry into unsubsidized employment;
• To increase retention in unsubsidized employment six months after entry into employment;
• To increase earnings received in unsubsidized employment; and
• To enhance customer satisfaction for participants and for employers

Services

Services are provided through the Florida Crown Workforce Board's four offices in Lake City, Trenton, Old Town, and Lake Butler.  There are three levels of service available:

• Core services - includes outreach, job search and placement assistance, and labor market information;
• Intensive services - includes more comprehensive assessments, development of individual employment plans and counseling and career planning; and
• Training services - available to those who have been unable to find employment through intensive services. Customers are linked to job opportunities in their communities, including both occupational training and training in basic skills.

Additional Services

“Supportive” services such as transportation, dependent care, housing and needs-related payments are provided under certain circumstances to allow an individual to participate in the program.“Rapid Response” services at the employment site for employers and workers who are expected to lose their jobs as a result of company closings and mass layoffs are also available.

Youth Program Description

The WIA Youth program provides employment and education services to eligible low-income youth, ages 14 to 21, who face barriers to employment. The program serves youth with disabilities and low literacy rates as well as others who may require additional assistance to complete an educational program or obtain a job.

Youth programs are operated on a year-round basis by the Florida Crown Workforce Board. The types of services that are included in the youth program include tutoring, study skills training, alternative secondary school offerings, summer employment opportunities, paid and unpaid work experience, occupational skill training, leadership development opportunities, supportive services, adult mentoring, follow-up services, and comprehensive guidance and counseling.

Eligibility

An eligible youth is an individual who:

• Is age 14 through 21; and
• Is a low-income individual and is within one or more of the following categories:
• Deficient in basic literacy skills or school dropout
• Homeless, runaway, or foster child
• Pregnant or parenting
• Offender
• An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment