The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers federally funded programs for both employers and individuals to gain funding.

For Employers:

  • On-the-job training (OJT) gives employers the opportunity to hire, train, and retrain employees in full-time permanent jobs while being reimbursed for part of the training costs.
    • Employers may be reimbursed up to 50% of the wage of the individual for the costs associated with providing the training (the average reimbursement is $3000 per hired employee training up to 10 weeks).
    • OJT provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job.  
    • OJT training focuses on jobs involving the introduction of new technologies, production or service procedures, or upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills or workplace literacy.
    • Employers can be in the public, private non-profit, or private sector.
    • OJT is limited in duration based upon the occupation for which the participant is being trained, the participant’s prior work experience and service strategy.

The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWT) provides funding for training needed in current business due to: expansion, new technology, retooling, new services/product lines, and new organizational structuring or as part of a layoff aversion strategy. 

IWT grants are issued for employers to upgrade the skills of current employees providing training programs ranging from computer skills to manufacturing skills specific to industries. 

  • Learn more by contacting your SC Works Center for details and funding availability.

For individuals:

  • For dislocated workers, the WIOA will help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market, striving to match employers with skilled workers.  

Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE) offers their program consisting of: comprehensive Jobs Training/ Improvement and Placement program called. Lifelong Advancement through Diligence, Determination and Employment Resources (LADDER). The LADDER program is comprehensive in its approach as it addresses each individual participant’s needs through utilization of the program network. 

  • LADDER complements a community-wide effort to improve the living conditions of low- and moderate-income residents by affording them options focused on long-term results.

WIOA Youth Formula Program is aimed at serving eligible youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment. 

  • The program focuses primarily on out-of-school youth.

For further information on these programs, contact your Learning Coach