Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act
Looking for work? In need of training? Looking to enhance your skills? We can assist you in achieving your goals! Our Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) program funds basic skills and occupational training for eligible adults, dislocated workers and youth.
What does the WIOA program provide?
WIOA is a no-cost employment program designed to provide job seekers the skills training and support they need to find a high-demand job.Specifically, WIOA can provide:
- Funding for occupational training services (tuition, textbooks, tools, supplies, clothing/work uniforms, certification payments/exams)
- Employment search assistance
- Job readiness assistance
- Child care assistance while in training
- Career exploration and assessments
- Individualized career management
What kind of training is available?
To ensure individuals who receive training find jobs, WIOA only provides funding for training in occupations with good earnings potential and in growing industries in our six-county service area – Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties – such as auto mechanics, plumbers, nurses, teachers, welders, dental assistants, electricians, computer user support specialists, and truck drivers. For a complete list of occupations for which training is available, view our Targeted Occupations List.
WIOA-funded training for eligible occupations is provided by a wide variety of certified training providers in our service area. If selected for WIOA-funded training, job seekers are able to pick a provider of their choice from the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Eligible Training Providers list. Eligible local training institutions in the Heart of Texas include Hill College, McLennan Community College (MCC) , Navarro College and Texas State Technical College (TSTC).
TWC Eligible Training Providers List
The publicly accessible Statewide Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL) includes all programs that are currently approved by TWC for WIOA funding. This list is managed and updated by TWC.
To view the list, which is an Excel spreadsheet with filter-enabled columns, click on the link above and then click the Statewide Eligible Training Providers List link in the “Overview” section of the web page. The provider (institution) name is located in Column G of the spreadsheet. Information for eligible programs at each institution is located in Columns U through AD, including program name, description, academic pre-requisites, program outcome, associated credential, program length (contact hours and weeks to completion), and program format (hybrid, in-person, online).
If you need assistance navigating the list, have questions or want more information on eligible programs, our Career Specialists can help you. Call us at 254-296-5260.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Eligibility Criteria
The WIOA program is available to low-income adult, youth and dislocated Texas workers living in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone or McLennan county. Basic eligibility* for the program includes:
- Must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States;
- If male and born after January 1, 1960, must be registered with the Selective Service (verify registration here or register here);
- and Must have proof of a social security number.
*Eligibility for WIOA does not guarantee enrollment into the program or funding.
Eligibile* Individuals Must Also Either:
1.) Have earned an annual salary less than:
$13,590 for a family of one
$18,310 for a family of two
$23,030 for a family of three
$27,750 for a family of four
$32,470 for a family of five
$37,931 for a family of six
$43,430 for a family of seven
$48,929 for a family of eight
$54,428 for a family of nine
$59,927 for a family of ten
add $5,499 for each person above 10;
OR
2.) Must have been terminated, laid-off, or received notice of layoff from employment without fault and must be eligible for unemployment insurance;
OR
3.) Are currently eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Stamps.
*Eligibility for WIOA does not guarantee enrollment into the program or funding.
How can I learn more?
If you believe you are eligible for WIOA and want to learn more, please call 254-296-5260 and ask to speak to Leslie Jordan, our WIOA Career Specialist, or send an email with your inquiry.
How do I apply?
If you believe you are eligible for WIOA funding, please complete the online application. Once your application is submitted, our WIOA Career Specialist will contact you for additional eligibility and verification information.
