It's Upon Us,It's Here,WIOA is in Full Gear!

If you’re a part of the North Carolina workforce world,you might have heard of the new implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) many months ago.

Since WIOA rolled out on July 1,2015,it is safe to say that many changes are currently taking place. The real question is,are you ready?

The Centralina Workforce Development Board certainly is,but what does this mean to you?

Well it’s something the entire Centralina region can get excited about now."WIOA means the Centralina WDB and workforce boards across the globe will drive innovation,collaborate,and perform. It is evident that workforce boards across the globe has experienced a great deal of changes moving from the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) which was implemented in 1983,to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in 1998,and now transitioning to WIOA.

With WIOA in full effect,U.S. companies around the Centralina region,will grow jobs and remain competitive."The Centralina Workforce Development Board will have the necessary guidance and pathways to strengthen skilled workers which will in turn develop a stronger workforce development system for the Centralina region.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board will maintain much of the same structures under WIA but only enhance all programs and NCWorks Career Centers by making new updates to the facilities and services provided."One of the major service changes is the Centralina WDB’s youth program."The Centralina WDB youth program will now become the Centralina WIOA NEXGEN services."NEXGEN will change the direction of the past youth services offered by Centralina WDB."NEXGEN will now serve out of school youth between the ages of 16-24 years of age. All WIOA funds will benefit NEXGEN participants by funding more work experience including summer jobs,apprenticeships,on-the-job training,and internships.

The Centralina WDB has also worked on an integrated service delivery model for quite some time. Earlier this year,the NCWorks Career Center-Anson,Stanly,and Lincoln all became certified NCWorks Career Centers."On March 23,the NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville opened its new facility for the public."The new Center has a warm inviting open floor plan with modern day furniture in a newly remodeled facility.

In August,the NCWorks Career Center-Cabarrus will also undergo a major move from its location on 2275 Kannapolis Highway to 845 Church St. Suite 201,located in Concord."Overall,all of the NCWorks Career Centers will have major facelifts which will consist of a more modern day touch in a comfortable and inviting environment.

The future for the Centralina Workforce Development Board is bright."With the new WIOA implementation and with the many changes across the region,greater innovations are coming."Let’s gear up!

For additional information about the WIOA and the Centralina Workforce Development Board,contact David Hollars,Centralina WDB Executive Director at dhollar@centralina.org or 704-348-2717.

Tags: What's New