The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a cornerstone piece of legislation designed to bolster the American workforce. For North Carolina, WIOA is not just an act, but a vital career development tool that shapes how the state trains its workforce and connects individuals seeking employment with businesses in need of talent through the NCWorks initiative.
North Carolina’s Unified Approach to Workforce Development
Every four years, North Carolina, in accordance with federal mandates, crafts a WIOA Unified State Plan. This plan acts as a blueprint, detailing the state’s comprehensive strategy for implementing the Act. It is a collaborative effort, bringing together key state workforce partners: the N.C. Department of Commerce, the North Carolina Community College System, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. This collaboration ensures a unified and effective approach to workforce development, aligning with requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor.
For those interested in delving deeper into the specifics, the WIOA 2024 Unified State Plan is publicly accessible.
The NCWorks Commission, through its dedicated WIOA Steering Council, which includes representatives from state agencies overseeing the core WIOA programs, spearheaded the plan’s development. North Carolina’s initial plan was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor in March 2016. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the labor market, WIOA mandates biennial reviews and updates to state plans. North Carolina has consistently adapted its strategies, submitting modifications in March 2018 (approved June 2018) and a second four-year plan in early 2020, with subsequent modifications in 2022. The state’s third four-year plan was submitted in early 2024 and received approval in late May 2024, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing improvement and responsiveness.
WIOA: A Background of Improvement and Partnership
Enacted in 2014, the WIOA consolidates federal investments in crucial skill development areas. These encompass adult, dislocated worker, and youth programs (Title 1); adult education and literacy (Title 2); services under the Wagner-Peyser Act (Title 3); and vocational rehabilitation (Title 4). To enhance workforce systems across the nation, WIOA requires states to implement key changes, focusing on:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Fostering stronger local and regional partnerships among workforce, education, and industry stakeholders.
- Employer-Centric Services: Improving services for employers, particularly through work-based training initiatives.
- Youth Investment: Increasing funding and service availability for out-of-school youth, extending the maximum age for service eligibility.
- Apprenticeship Reinforcement: Strengthening connections with registered apprenticeship programs to provide structured career pathways.
- Workforce Development Board Empowerment: Promoting effective and influential Workforce Development Boards at the local level.
- Career Pathway Emphasis: Utilizing career pathways to ensure job seekers gain credentials for high-demand jobs, creating clear routes to career advancement.
- Data-Driven Accountability: Implementing accountability measures grounded in robust data analysis to track progress and outcomes.
NCWorks: North Carolina’s Workforce Development System in Action
NCWorks embodies North Carolina’s commitment to workforce development. Established in 2014, NCWorks is a collaborative partnership between state workforce and education agencies, proactively implementing many of the reforms championed by WIOA. Key initiatives under NCWorks include:
- Strengthened State and Local Partnerships: The departments of commerce, public instruction, health and human services, and the community college system are actively building stronger partnerships both amongst themselves and with local employers, creating a cohesive network of support.
- Responsive NCWorks Career Centers: NCWorks Career Centers feature cross-trained staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the diverse needs of both job seekers and businesses efficiently and effectively.
- NCWorks Career Pathways Standards: The NCWorks Commission has established clear criteria for NCWorks Career Pathways, setting a recognized standard for quality career pathways throughout the state, guiding individuals towards successful career trajectories.
- Employer Engagement: Local NCWorks partners have actively engaged with over 1,000 employers to directly understand their workforce needs and tailor the system to better serve the business community.
Moving forward with WIOA implementation, North Carolina’s NCWorks partners are dedicated to building upon their achievements, further solidifying partnerships with industry and agencies at both local and state levels. This continuous improvement ensures WIOA remains a powerful act and career development tool for North Carolinians.
For individuals seeking career services and educational/training support under WIOA, reaching out to your local NCWorks Career Center through NCWorks.gov is the recommended next step to unlock career opportunities.
