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WHAT IS WIA?
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 or “WIA” for short is a program designed to assist clients with obtaining suitable employment through job search assistance, supportive services and/or training.
THE WIA PROCESS
The process for becoming part of the WIA program is simple. When visiting one of the Central Kentucky Career Center locations inform the staff that you would like to learn more about WIA. You will be given a packet of orientation materials and will view a detailed video explaining the WIA process. You also have the option of viewing the video and downloading the WIA orientation packet online at: www.ckycareers.com/orientation
Once you complete all the paper work contained in the orientation packet, you will need to contact a Workforce Specialist to schedule a meeting at a Career Center near you.
THE WORKFORCE SPECIALIST
During your first meeting with a Workforce Specialist you should bring all the paperwork that is contained in your orientation packet. (This paperwork must be completed before you meet with a Workforce Specialist.)
The purpose of meeting with a WIA Workforce Specialist is to provide individual counseling to clients through services such as:
- Identifying high demand occupations
- Information on occupations
- Interest inventories
- Job search assistance
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Interview skills coaching
WORKKEYS & INTEREST INVENTORY
It may be determined that more detailed information is needed in order to plan your next step in the WIA process.
When training is a consideration for a client of the program or program participant, a WorkKeys test is given. WorkKeys measures three basic categories: Math, Reasoning, and Locating Information. Based on these scores plans for training can be made. The WorkKeys test also provides individuals with a Kentucky Employability Certificate, used by many employers throughout Kentucky as a means of identifying qualified individuals to consider for their vacancies.
If you are unsure of your training or employment direction, you may choose to take an interest inventory assessment. This short assessment gathers information about your interests, your strengths, and your dislikes to formulate potential occupational paths you may choose to pursue.
RESUME WRITING
Resumes are required by more and more employers; even those still accepting applications prefer to have a resume attached for review. Resumes offer more detail regarding a previous position than is often listed on an application.
If you need assistance with updating your resume, transferring it to an electronic copy for email submissions, or if you just have questions regarding the correct style of resume for the position for which you’re applying, the Workforce Specialist or other qualified staff will work with you to ensure your resume gets noticed.
If do not currently have a resume, WIA offers free resume writing classes. These classes educate you on the various types of resumes, key points that get you recognized by employers, and guides you through the process for creating an electronic resume.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS
An additional service and an excellent next step after resume writing is interviewing skills training. Each WIA location has qualified staff on hand that will work with you on your interviewing skills. WIA staff conduct mock interviews using the latest interviewing techniques, while recording your responses on video. This allows you to review your responses with the Workforce Specialist to identify your strengths and offer tips on how you can improve in other areas.
JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE
Whether you have been in the workforce for the last 20 years and recently found yourself re-entering the job market or you’re entering the workforce for the first time, WIA provides assistance with your search. WIA offers an extensive list of employers in the Bluegrass area that are currently hiring and we will assist you in getting your foot in the door through our referral process.
Employers trust the WIA referral process because we verify the qualifications sought after for the positions employers list with us. This verification process helps you get the interview because the employer knows they are receiving a qualified applicant.
OUT-OF-AREA JOB SEARCH AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
If during your search you locate a job outside of your commuting area and secure an interview, the WIA program can provide you with travel assistance to and from your job interview. If you are hired, WIA can assist you with the cost of relocation to the new job.
COMPUTER CLASSES
WIA offers free Basic Computers and Introduction to the Internet classes at the various locations throughout the Bluegrass. These classes offer training in: conducting internet searches, creating a free personal email account, basic internet security and more. Check your local Career Center for the date and time in your area.
TRAINING
If you are identified as being in need of training there are various types available with the WIA program. 1) Occupational Skills Training: provides for two years or less and leads to a degree, diploma or certification. 2) Short-term Training is any training that is 6-months or less and does not lead to a certificate, diploma or degree. 3) ARRA Short-Term Training, a program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides a list of several customized occupational trainings focused on high demand careers in areas such as information technology and the healthcare industry. Each of these trainings conclude with a degree, diploma or certification.
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