Workforce Training
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development
James Neeley, Commissioner
Workforce Investment Act
In August of 1998, the Workforce Investment Act was legislated by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The Act calls for a comprehensive accountability system to assess the effectiveness of State government in providing employability and training services to adults and youth. It provides for a continuum of service delivery that includes three levels of service:
- Core Services
- Intensive Services (GED and adult education)
- Training Services (Technical Certificate programs, Associates and Baccalaureate degree programs)
Institutions providing training services must be certified as eligible training providers by one of the state's 13 local Workforce Investment Boards before being placed on the statewide list monitored by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to remain on the state list, the institution must meet minimum performance standards established by the federal guidelines and the Governor.
Beginning July 1, 2000, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission was designated by the Governor as the state agency that will coordinate, monitor and maintain the Eligible Training Provider List for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The commission's experience and infrastructure in serving as the state licensing agency for post-secondary institutions and overseeing and authorizing schools which offer training and education meant that the agency was well positioned to develop a statewide list of eligible training providers for WIA.
Currently, the WIA list is being developed under the Division of Post-Secondary Authorization. The main duties include evaluating institutions to assure they are meeting minimum performance standards and disseminating the list of providers, statewide.
WIA Links
