Capitol Update, Aug. 21, 2014

Last July, President Barack Obama signed into law the first legislative reform of the federal workforce education and training system in 15 years. The “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act” (WIOA) implements changes many believe were necessary to modernize a system that had failed to keep pace with current labor market needs. It was designed to match businesses with the skilled employees they need to compete in the global economy while helping job seekers access the services necessary to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

The U.S. Dept. of Labor (US DOL) has announced a series of webinars to engage the public in implementation of the WIOA. Employers, states and their representatives are encouraged to participate:

August 25 Integrated Performance Reporting and ETPL

August 26 Consultation with Consumers, Advocacy Groups, and

   Direct Service Providers on Services for Individuals with Disabilities

August 28 The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program

September 2 Services to Individuals with Disabilities

September 5 Services to Disconnected Youth

September 11 Strategic Program Alignment and Unified Planning

September 12 WIOA and Registered Apprenticeship

September 15 The Indian and Native American Program

The full announcement can be found at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN/TEN_6-14.pdf

To register to participate in one or more Webinars go to http://www.doleta.gov/WIOA.