Obama Seeks Public Comment on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The WIOA is the first major reform to federal job training programs in more than 15 years
According to a news release from the DOL, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the first major reform to federal job training programs in more than 15 years. WIOA is designed to improve the coordination of employment and training services across federal agencies, strengthen collaboration with state and local partners, and provide Americans with increased access to training, education and other support to succeed in the job market and in their careers. The departments of Labor and Education have announced five Notices of Proposed Rulemaking to implement WIOA and are seeking public comment.
"We are embarking on a fundamental transformation in the way we prepare people for the careers of today and tomorrow," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. "More than ever before, we're taking a job-driven approach and making sure training programs connect businesses that want to grow with workers who want to punch their ticket to the middle class."
"WIOA will provide the opportunities for workers and learners to obtain the foundation skills necessary for 21st century jobs and foster a modern workforce that can compete in a global economy," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "It makes key improvements in the nation's workforce development and education system, by emphasizing the creation of career pathway programs, improved training, and streamlined service delivery to individuals — especially for underserved youth and adults."
The proposed regulations are designed to update and improve federal workforce programs that serve workers, job seekers, and employers; strengthen accountability and transparency; increase access to work-based learning tools; improve relationships with employers and foster more cohesive planning within economic regions.