The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was enacted in 2014 by President Barrack Obama to encourage the business community to participate in the local delivery of Workforce Development Services.
Federal funding for these programs is handed down to the state level and distributed between the Workforce Development Boards in each area, which then distribute it to regional funding management agencies like Bluegrass Workforce Innovation Board (BGWIB).
Jobseekers and employers receive WIOA assistance by visiting their local career center. Each career center has trained professionals available to assist individuals with identifying a variety of services and programs to address individual and employer needs.
These include: Employability Classes, Training Opportunities, and our Business Services, among others.
Who is eligible for WIOA Services?
WIOA provides services for young people and adults seeking employment. Several factors determine the eligibility of applicants. Guidelines are different if you need financial assistance for college or short-term training to get a job. WIOA also serves workers who have lost their jobs due to a company relocating operations to another country (as outlined in the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA), and workers who have been laid off from their jobs.
Where can I find a WIOA office?
Click here to find an office near you. The Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass has brick-and-mortar locations in 6 counties throughout Central Kentucky to provide services to a 17 county region.
What do I need to do to enroll in WIOA services?
You must bring a valid driver's license, social security card, and proof of income for the last six months to the WIOA office. If you receive any public assistance such as food stamps, simply bring in your award letter. If you are a veteran, you will also need a copy of your DD-214. Your local career advisor will inform you of any other documentation you may need.
Employer Services are available in each of the six locations in our 17-county service area. Each of these locations feature a dedicated Business Services Representative. They can help employers find qualified people, screen potential employees during the hiring process, provide labor market information, assist with training costs for new hires and with upgrading skills of existing employees.
What can Employer Services do for my business?
We realize that each employer is unique and each does not need the same set of services. When you meet with your Business Services Consultant, you will be discuss the specific workforce needs of your company. The representative will then work with you to help meet those needs.
The Workforce Board plans, oversees, and evaluates workforce service delivery in its community. A major role of the board is strategic planning to meet the employment and training needs of local businesses and industries. The wide variety of organizations represented on each board ensures input from experts throughout the community. Through oversight and evaluation, the board ensures that their strategic and operational plans are implemented..
What are Kentucky Career Centers - Bluegrass?
Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass is a network of career centers serving 17 counties in Central Kentucky. Each location houses a variety of partners who can help in your career planning needs. Click here to view a list of office locations.
What services are available at Kentucky Career Center locations?
At your local career center you will meet career experts known as Workforce Specialists who can help you decide what career path is best for you to get you in a job, including but not limited to examining college options or short-term job training. Resource rooms at the career center locations are equipped with Internet access, computers, local newspapers, and resource staff professionals. The Workforce Specialists can help you explore available opportunities and determine what jobs will best suit you.
Career centers provides an array of government workforce programs for employers and jobseekers. . .all in one location, all for free. For employers, Career Centers can help streamline human resources tasks and offers customized service plans. There is no cost to the employer or the employee.
Is the Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass or BGWIB the Office of Employment and Training (OET)?
No. Career Centers house several partners including OET. WIOA is a partner of OET in the statewide Kentucky Career Center system and help serve clients in every way we can. We are not a government agency and do not process claims related to Unemployment Insurance (UI). We can, however, connect you with our local partners in OET nearest you who can assist you with UI filings.
Who will assist me at a Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass location?
You will be teamed with an expert Workforce Speicalist. That person will help you with your resume, job search, and can help you discover your career interest patterns. Your personal Workforce Specialist can help you fill out forms to register for college and can even provide you with local workshops that may be beneficial. The workshops offer tips on how to get a job, resume writing, and appropriate workplace behavior.