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Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Click here for the success stories

WIOA Services for Adults

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs help people find jobs and upgrade their skills to qualify for better jobs. WIOA serves adults looking for work, workers of any age who have been dislocated from their jobs through closings or layoffs, and economically disadvantaged young people who need help to get education, training, and a good start into the working world.

These multi-level programs use a wide assortment of resources to help customers identify their interests and aptitudes, understand which jobs are in demand, get the training and develop the skills they need to succeed, and advance their careers. This program offers the following services for area employers:

  • Helping employers find qualified employees.
  • Screening potential employees during the hiring process.
  • Assisting with the training costs for new hires and for upgrading the skills of existing employees.
  • Providing labor market information to assist with business planning.
  • Facilitating contacts with the various state and federal programs, which can assist employers.
  • Working with both employers and training providers to assure that training programs are relevant, effective, and affordable.

In general, WIOA Adult Program services are available to eastern Kentuckians ages 18 and above who are unemployed or under-employed. If training is required to obtain or improve employment, the program can provide tuition, required books, fees, commuting assistance, meals, and other approved expenses for classroom training. Career counseling and resume writing are available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors. Job Club services are also available. Job Club meets every Wednesday at the Harlan County Extension Office Depot at 1:00 p.m.

WIOA Services for Dislocated Workers

In general, Dislocated Worker services are available to any eastern Kentucky resident who:

  • Has been terminated or laid off from employment, or has received notification of an upcoming termination or layoff
AND
  • Is unlikely to return to work in his/her previous industry or occupation.

In coordination with other types of financial assistance, the WIA Dislocated Worker Program may be able to provide:

  • Tuition
  • Required Books
  • Fees
  • Commuting Assistance
  • Meals
  • Other approved expenses for classroom training

Career counseling and resume writing is available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors. Job Club services are also available. Job Club meets every Wednesday at the Harlan County Extension Office Depot at 1:00 p.m.

WIOA Services for Youth

WIOA Youth Program offers a broad range of services to young people between the ages of 16 and 24. These services include opportunities for assistance with academic or job-related learning, developing leadership skills, preparing for further education, and eventual employment. Career counseling and resume writing is available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors. Job Club services are also available. Job Club meets every Wednesday at the Harlan County Extension Office Depot at 1:00 p.m.

Youth services are available to low-income young people who are in any one of these categories:

  • Requires help to complete an educational program
  • Requires help to secure and hold employment
  • School dropout
  • Homeless
  • A runaway
  • A foster child
  • Pregnant or parenting
  • An offender (legal)
  • Deficient in basic literacy skills

Services may also be available to young people who do not meet the low-income requirement, if they qualify in one of the categories above and have other barriers.

EKCEP’s Youth Program may provide the following services:

  • Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies
  • Alternative secondary school offerings
  • Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning
  • Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships, on the job training and job shadowing
  • Occupational skills training
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Supportive services
  • Adult mentoring for twelve months
  • Follow-up services
  • Comprehensive guidance and counseling

Success Stories

Person # 1 (click to show/hide)

Received supportive services for him to go to Ohio for tree climbing training. He started his own tree cutting business as a result.

Person # 2 (click to show/hide)

Received financial assistance to complete medical assisting. She has a job at a pediatric hospital.

Person # 3 (click to show/hide)

Received financial assistance to attend lineman training. He is now working full time as a lineman.

Person # 4 (click to show/hide)

Received assistance to obtain certifications which lead to full time employment.

Person # 5 (click to show/hide)

Out of school youth: Graduated from lineman school, working full time.

Person # 6 (click to show/hide)

Received DCL training, opened his own business in downtown Harlan.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

Staff

Jill <span>Blevins</span>

Jill Blevins

Career Advisor
Jill <span> BLEVINS</span>

Jill BLEVINS

WIOA Director
Flora <span>Wattenberger</span>

Flora Wattenberger

Career Advisor

Contact Us

Donation contributed to Harlan County CAA

$1,000

MAKE A DONATION

Your donation will go toward one of our sponsored programs that does not receive federal or state fundings. For more information, click here.

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