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 The Workforce Investment Act of 1998
provides the framework for a unique national and state workforce preparation and
employment system designed to meet both the needs of the state’s businesses
and the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers.
Title I of the legislation is based on the following elements:
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Training and employment programs
must be designed and managed at the local level where the needs of
businesses and individuals are best understood.
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Customers must be able to
conveniently access the employment, education, training, and information
services they need at a single location in their neighborhoods.
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Customers should have choices in
deciding the training program that best fits their needs and the
organizations that will provide that service. They should have control over
their own career development.
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Customers have a right to
information about how well training providers succeed in preparing people
for jobs. Training providers will provide information on their success
rates.
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Businesses will provide
information, leadership, and play an active role in ensuring that the system
prepares people for current and future jobs.
The new law makes changes to the
current funding streams, target populations, system of delivery, accountability,
long-term planning, labor market information system, and governance structure.
Title I authorizes the new Workforce
Investment System. State workforce boards will be established and States
will develop five-year strategic plans. Governors will designate local
"workforce investment areas" and oversee local workforce boards.
New youth councils will be set up as a subgroup of the local board to guide the
development and operation of programs for youth. Customers will benefit
from a "One-Stop" delivery system, with career centers in their
neighborhoods where they can access core employment services and be referred
directly to job training, education, or other services.
The most important aspect of the Act
is its focus on meeting the needs of businesses for skilled workers and the
training, education, and employment needs of individuals. Key components
of the Act will enable customers to easily access the information and services
they need through the "One-Stop" system; empower adults to obtain the
training they find most appropriate through Individual Training Accounts, and
ensure that all State and local programs meet customer expectations.
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"One-Stop"
or
JOBLINK Career Centers (in North Carolina)
The new system
is based on the
"One-Stop" concept where information about and access to a wide array
of job training, education, and employment services is available for customers
at a single neighborhood location. In North Carolina this system of
One-Stop Career Centers is called JOBLINK Career Center. Customers will be able to easily:
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Receive a preliminary assessment
of their skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and support service needs.
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Obtain information on a full
array of employment-related services, including information about local
education and training service providers.
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Receive help filing claims for
unemployment insurance and evaluating eligibility for job training and
education programs or student financial aid.
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Obtain job search and placement
assistance, and receive career counseling.
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Have access to up-to-date labor
market information which identifies job vacancies, skills necessary for
in-demand jobs, and provides information about local, regional and national
employment trends.
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Through JOBLINK, employers will have
a single point of contact to provide information about current and future skills
needed by their workers and to list job openings. They will benefit from a
single system for finding job-ready skilled workers who meet their needs.
This Workforce Development System
can be accessed through the JOBLINK Career Centers as part of North Carolina’s
Workforce Investment System. Community colleges in North Carolina are
integral partners in the JOBLINK Career Centers and serve as host sites for many
centers.
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