About WIA
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) established
a One-Stop system for adults and dislocated workers¹ (including displaced homemakers²)
ages 18 and older to receive core, intensive or training services. Core services
consist of information and resource tools available at the One-Stop centers to assist
job seekers in achieving their employment goals. Core services are intended to be
self-directed and user friendly. Intensive and Training Services are provided to
individuals in need of staff assistance and can include specialized assessments,
case management, short-term training, and other services as described below.
To access the Workforce Investment Act Program and Services:
The customer's first step is Core Services. Core Services are self-directed
activities that are customer driven and include activities such as creating resumes,
or cover letters, seraching and applying for jobs, attending job fairs, or seeking
information on and applying for other needed One-Stop programs.
CORE SERVICES
Core Services may be the only service you need if:
You are able to successfully conduct job search activities. With little to
no help, you are able to operate a computer in order to create resumes and cover
letters, able to navigate the Internet to apply for jobs, etc.
You meet the minimum requirements for the job. Your skills and qualifications
are a match to the job and you are able to pass any pre-employment activities such
as drug tests, criminal background and/or credit checks.
Personal matters do not affect your ability to work. You have reliable transportation,
childcare, etc.
As you participate in Core Services to look for work, we recommend that you use
the following job search resources:
SC Job Link - a website administered by the
SC Employment Security Commission. Workers my conduct pre-employment activities,
search for jobs, and apply for initial unemployment benefits.
SC Virtual One-Stop System - a website administered
by the SC Department of Commerce and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.
Workers may conduct pre-employment activities, search for jobs, and pre-register
for the WIA program in the event that future Training Services are needed.
Job Fairs - One-Stop hosts job fairs and special recruitment events for local
employers. Informational flyers will be posted within the One-Stop Center to announce
these events.
We also recommend using other Core Services such as:
Labor Market Information - researching employment patterns and trends will
help you choose a demand occupation and to project future training needs.
Self-Assessments - using computerized and Internet-based programs to help
determine your basic skill levels and career interests.
WIA Eligibility Determination - in the event you need staff to help with
your job search or require Training Services, applying for the WIA program as a
Core Service will save you time in the long run. A copy of the WIA Application and Instructions
may be obtained from the One-Stop Center.
Free Workshops - sign up to attend workshops and networking opportunities.
Career topics are covered such as job search techniques, credit counseling, financial
planning, etc.
INTENSIVE SERVICES
If you are not able to successfully find a job after using the available Core Services,
then Intensive Services may be provided through the WIA program. A WIA Career
Specialist will be assigned to help you plan for and participate in a combination
of activities leading to employment such as:
Pre-employment workshops - seminars and classroom instruction on topics such job
hunting, marketing your skills, etc.
Specialized assessments - conducting a review of your skills using tools such as
evaluation tools like WorkKeys, TABE, etc.
TRAINING SERVICES
After participating in the Intensive Services and you are not able to find or keep
a job, the WIA Career Specialist may recommend you for Training Services.
In general, Training Services may include activities such as basic literacy skills
training (including GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and/or vocational
skills training. The WIA Career Specialist will help you to select the right training
program or combination of training programs based on your needs. Vouchers will be
issued to training participants to pay the costs for tuition, books, and supplies.
More detail on the WIA program and requirements is addressed in the WIA Application and Instructions
packet.
A statewide list of approved WIA training programs may also be viewed over the web
at: http://www.sccommerce.com/wia/ServiceSearch.html
Types of WIA Training Programs:
Occupational Skills Training - classroom instruction and vocational training
provided through local technical colleges and community training providers.
Work Experience - can be accompanied by Occupational Skill Training and pays
an hourly stipend to assist the participant with obtaining valuable work experience.
On-the-Job (OJT) and Apprenticeship Training - this is an earn as you learn
opportunity where employers hire and train eligible workers while on the job. The
employer may qualify for financial incentives to reduce their cost for providing
the training.
Entrepreneurial Training - a great opportunity for those who want to start
their own business. Did you know that small businesses make up the majority of the
companies in SC?
Contact Us
An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY: 711
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