Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act

Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act

WIOA provides free programs that combine employment and training activities for individuals ages 16-24. The purpose is to assist young people who face barriers to success in the workplace by providing resources and support to overcome those barriers and successfully build the skills for self-sufficiency into adulthood. We’ll match you with a Career Coach who will develop a career plan to help you:

  • Find and keep a job
  • Finish high school or a GED
  • Get training beyond high school

In association with:

Education

GED Preparation & High School Diploma

In partnership with Sparta Adult Education

Employment

JobStart Initiative

Immediate on-the-job employment training for young men of color (18-24), who are low-income and face barriers to employment

Career Exploration

Talent Tours are provided to get a first-hand look at in-demand employment industries of West Michigan.

ONET Interest Profiler helps direct participants towards career paths based on their work-relevant interests and values and the characteristics of specific occupations.

Paid Work Experiences

Paid work experiences are offered to youth participants interested in gaining a deeper insight and understanding of employment opportunities related to their long-term career goals.

ITA Scholorships (Individual Training Account)

WIOA youth can access an ITA scholarship when they need a credential, skill upgrading, or classroom training directly related to employment that leads to an industry recognized, high demand certificate/certification

Empowerment

Career Coaching & Planning

WorkReady Training provides 9 modules of work readiness skills to develop and practice

EPIC Empowerment toolkits provide youth the opportunity to build and practice self-awareness and self-management skills

Transition Activities are constructed throughout participation in WIOA services, and a Career Pathway plan is frequently revisited to demonstrate how the youth is tracking towards their career goal and preparing for post-secondary opportunities.

Labor market information on the Hot Jobs! List is shared with youth during intake and throughout their Career Planning

Case Management

Work 1-on-1, alongside a Workforce Development Case Manager to reduce barriers to employment

Support Services are provided to reduce financial barriers to gaining or maintaining employment and/or training

Provides referrals for comprehensive guidance and counseling to participants to the community mental health agency of Kent County, or other necessary provider

Follow-up Services are available for up to one year after completing goals.

To get started, please fill out the form below, and a Case Manager will contact you soon!

Universal Intake Form