WIOA Programs

Since assuming both fiscal and board staff responsibilities for the region’s Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs and the Northeast Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board in 2022, the First Tennessee Development District is committed to building and sustaining a workforce development system that promotes economic development, meets employer needs, and is responsive to the changing demands of the labor market.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is available to employers who have been pre-approved. OJT is particularly encouraged in higher-skill occupations. The employer must agree to continue to employ the individual after successful completion of the training. OJT focuses on jobs involving the introduction of new technologies, production or service procedures; upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills or workplace literacy; or other appropriate purposes identified by the Board.

The employer can be in the private non-profit or private sector. OJT provides knowledge or skills essential to the full and adequate performance of the job. The employer is reimbursed up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the individual for the extraordinary costs of providing the training and increased supervision related to the training. OJT is limited in duration based upon the target occupation for which the participant is being trained, the participant’s prior work experience and the service strategy.

OJT provides unique opportunities for participants who already possess some job-related skills and the knowledge to "learn as they earn". By participating in training, the participant acquires new skills and knowledge while having the services as a full-time employee.

The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides grant funding for customized training for existing for- profit and not-for-profit (healthcare related) businesses that result in layoff aversion. Through this customer-driven program, Tennessee is able to effectively retain and keep businesses competitive through skills upgrades and process improvement training for existing full-time employees. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development administer the Incumbent Worker Training Program through a system of Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIA).

Customized Training provides unique opportunities for participants who already possess some job-related skills and the knowledge to acquire new skills and knowledge. The employer benefits by tailoring a training program to the specific needs of the employer, especially in the area of introducing new technologies or procedures. Training can even be offered to incumbent workers who are not earning a self-sufficient wage in order to upgrade their skills and knowledge. The employer must retain the workers upon successful completion of the training.

Customized Training - Training that is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer (including a group of employers); conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ an individual on successful completion of the training; and for which the employer pays for not less than 50 percent of the cost of the training.

WIOA ensures that employers/businesses are matched with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA also helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market.

Through WIOA, Businesses/Employers can access the following services free of charge:

Business account can be created at no cost on www.jobs4tn.gov. Businesses can use the portal to advertise job vacancies, search resumes of individuals based on criteria that suit their needs and receive automatic notifications of qualified candidates

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Businesses could be eligible for tax credit of up to $9600 through hiring of individuals with significant barriers to employment. These include Justice Involved Individuals, people receiving government assistance (SNAP, TANF), disabled, veterans, low income etc. Work Opportunity Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

Federal Bonding: The Federal Bonding Program can help employers hire and bond high-risk applicants. Bond coverage of up to $25,000 self-terminates in six months and takes effect right after the applicant's first day of work. Bonds are issued directly to employers that offer direct employer-employee relationship job opportunities to job seekers. www.bonds4jobs.com . If you are interested in utilizing the Federal Bonding Program, contact your local American Job Center or call the State Bonding Coordinator at (615) 253-6576, or email Melanie.Tawater@tn.gov.

Screening and Recruitment Services: Assistance with recruitments and job fairs through the one-stop-shop American Job Centers. Visit Northeast Tennessee American Job Center's website here or the virtual American Job Center of Tennessee here.

Paid Work Experience (PWE): PWE helps businesses meet staffing needs temporarily especially for entry level positions. PWE is used for individuals who are entering the job market to gain experience and learn soft skills that would help them pursue a career. WIOA covers 100% of the cost up to 400 hours. Note: Businesses have no obligation to employ the participant.

Registered Apprenticeship: is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program

Coursera: Free courses through www.Coursera.org. Some courses lead to professional certificates. We could create an account with curated courses based on your needs. Contact Emmett Watson, (423) 268-2683 if you need assistance.

What is the WIOA Youth Program?

Title I of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) affirms the Department of Labor's (DOL) commitment to providing high-quality services for youth beginning with career exploration and guidance; continuing support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway, enrollment in postsecondary education, or a Registered Apprenticeship.

Whom does WIOA Youth serve?

WIOA Youth serves eligible participants who are 14-24 years of age facing specific barriers to employment or school completion. WIOA places a priority on serving out-of-school youth by providing work-based experience and improving services to youth with disabilities. WIOA promotes career pathways, increased attainment of recognized credentials and post-secondary certificates or degrees. Youth must meet eligibility requirements to participate in the WIOA Title I Youth Program.

To learn more about this program, click here.

American Job Centers

The FTDD is the Administrative Entity for the Northeast Tennessee American Job Center system and serves as staff to the Northeast Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board.

Visit Northeast Tennessee American Job Center's website here or the virtual American Job Center of Tennessee here.