Employment& Training Services

You may qualify for Student Grant through South West Florida Works.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 rewrote federal statutes governing job
training, adult education, literacy and vocational rehabilitation. The Act was
signed into law in August of 1998 and was the first major reform of the
nation’s job training programs in fifteen years.

This act mandates the use of the One-Stop Operating System, which is
designed to streamline services, eliminate duplication of services and empower
individuals to obtain the services and skills they want and need. An essential
part of the Act gives more flexibility for the Local Workforce Development
Boards to operate programs, along with more accountability for their programs.

The goals of the WIA are to improve the quality of the workforce, enhance
the productivity and competitiveness of the nation, and to reduce welfare
dependency.

Locally, the Board’s work-first philosophy acknowledges the primary goal of
a job seeker is finding that much needed job, or obtaining the resources and
training or retraining for workplace and occupational skills required to
compete in today’s job market.

Our customers can access no-cost employment services and resources
through a network of career centers located throughout the region. Our professional workforce development staff is equipped to provide employment services through an array of well-structured resume writing workshops, resource rooms, on-site computer classes, Professional Placement Networks, and other activities designed to meet local community labor needs.

Training options may be available for those we determine lack marketable job
skills and who also meet Workforce Investment Act (WIA) eligibility guidelines.
Training funds are awarded based on applicant suitability and the amount of
funds available. Training requested and approved must be for occupations on
the Targeted Occupations List and through schools on the Approved Training Provider List for Region 24.

To apply, you must be 18 years or older, you must be a US
citizen or resident authorized to work in the US, and if a male born on or
after January 1, 1960, you must be registered with the Selective Service. Other
WIA eligibility criteria may apply when training services are requested.

The Board proudly serves veterans and ensures top priority is given to their
employment needs. Priority is also given to individuals with substantial
cultural or language barriers, displaced homemakers, offenders, school
dropouts, persons who are deficient in basic skills or lack a high school
diploma or GED, older Individuals (55 and older), and individuals who have
been laid off or terminated from a job through no fault of their own.

Additional information and assistance with accessing services can be
obtained by contacting any of our Centers.

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