Workforce Investment Act Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)? The Workforce Investment Act is a program created by the federal government to help people enter or return to employment. It allows us to offer a variety of services including the career center, job search and career development workshops, testing and assessment, and job search assistance. For some people, occupational skills training is appropriate. WIA is not an entitlement program.

2. How do I get into the WIA program? First, you will need to meet with an Employment Specialist for a discussion about your current marketability. If it is determined that you may require more intensive services to achieve your career goals, that person will register you for a WIA orientation. You will need to provide eligibility documentation at orientation.

3. Do I have to live in Jefferson, Gilpin or Clear Creek County to be eligible? Most people seek services from the workforce region in which they live because it is more convenient. However, we can serve job seekers from other counties.

4. If training is necessary, how long before I can start? There is a federally mandated process of assessment, planning, and final approval that must be complete before any funds can be allocated. After attending a WIA group orientation, you will be assigned a WIA counselor with whom you can establish a timeline based on your own ability to complete the required steps.

5. What factors determine who is approved for training? There are several factors taken under consideration when an employment plan is presented to the approval committee. This includes (but is not limited to): your current marketability, your skills, aptitudes, and interests, your financial stability, the length and cost of the training program in question, and the current demand in the local labor market for the skills you plan to attain.

6. What types of training programs are offered here? There are no training programs offered onsite, except for Career Building Nuts & Bolts, a series of two-hour personal and professional development workshops that are free of charge. Contact a front desk representative for a schedule, 303-271-4700.

7. How much money can I get? Not every job seeker receives tuition assistance; you must first demonstrate a need for training. There is a limit to the amount of money we can spend on each participant. You and your WIA counselor will work together to develop an employment plan; our goal is to get you back into the workforce for the least amount of money possible so that we can help the most people.

8. How long can I be in training? Our aim is for you to be gainfully employed and self-sufficient as soon as possible. To be considered by the approval committee, any training program included in your employment plan should take one year or less.

9. Will WIA funds cover living expenses? No. If your employment plan includes classroom training and is approved, WIA funds may be available to subsidize tuition, books, and fees. You will be required to demonstrate that you are able to cover the rest of your expenses for the duration of your training program.

10. Can you pay (or reimburse) for classes I have already taken? WIA funds can only be used to subsidize classroom training that occurs after a committee comprised of WIA counselors has approved your employment plan. Payment for any training received prior to approval is your own responsibility.

11. How will attending job training affect my Unemployment Insurance? Your job search requirement can be waived during the time you are attending job training, but your benefits cannot be increased or extended.

12. Are there other ways to get help with training? Yes. There are hundreds of grant and scholarship programs, both public and private, that are designed to help defray the costs of training. Your WIA counselor can assist you with resources and strategies for accessing other sources of funding.

For additional information or other questions call 303-271-4701, or click here to send an email.

Veterans Receive Priority of Service
In accordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288), Jefferson County Workforce Center provides veterans priority over non-veterans for the receipt of employment, training and placement services in all workforce center programs.