The WIOA program, explained
WIOA is the federal law that funds America's job centers and can pay for job training, like a CDL, a nursing assistant course or an IT certificate, for adults with low incomes, laid-off workers and young people 14 to 24. You apply through your local American Job Center. This guide shows you who qualifies, what it covers and exactly where to go.
- Sourced from federal rules
- State-by-state links
- We never take applications
Three programs, one front door
WIOA job training runs through three main programs. Veterans get priority in all of them. You can fit more than one; the job center decides which funds to use.
Adults 18 and older
Career help for anyone 18 or older. Training money goes first to people with low incomes, public assistance or basic skills gaps.
Who qualifiesLaid-off workers
Lost your job, got a layoff notice, or your plant is closing? The dislocated worker program was built for this.
Who qualifiesYoung people 14 to 24
Help finishing school, work experience and job training for young people who face certain barriers.
Who qualifiesFrom first question to first class
There is no online form to fill in here. Every step happens with your local job center, and this is the usual order.
Check the basics
Use the Do I qualify? checker to see which programs to ask about.
Find your job center
Look up your local American Job Center with the CareerOneStop locator.
Bring your papers
ID, proof of income or layoff, and your work history. Each center has its own list.
Plan with a counselor
An assessment and career plan come first. Then you pick an approved program.
Start training
If you are found eligible and funds are available, the center sets up payment to the school.
Tuition, wages and the things in between
WIOA money can cover more than a class. States and local boards set the limits, so amounts differ from place to place.
Training tuition
An Individual Training Account pays an approved school for you.
On-the-job training
An employer hires you and gets part of your wage back while you learn.
Supportive services
Help with transportation, child care, tools or test fees, where available.
Approved schools
WIOA only pays for programs on your state's eligible provider list.
What people train for
WIOA pays for programs tied to jobs that are in demand where you live. These are some of the most searched.
Find your state
Each state names its job centers differently and sets its own training limits. Start with yours.
Quick answers
What is the WIOA program?
WIOA is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federal law signed on July 22, 2014. It funds the nationwide network of American Job Centers and pays for job training for eligible adults, dislocated workers and young people. States and local workforce boards run it day to day.
Is WIOA training free?
If you are found eligible and your local area has funds, WIOA can pay some or all of the cost of an approved training program, so many people pay nothing out of pocket. Each state or local board can cap how much it pays, so ask what the limit is in your area before you pick a school.
How do I apply for WIOA?
You apply through your local American Job Center, not online with a school or with this site. Find the nearest center with the CareerOneStop locator, ask for a WIOA appointment, bring ID and proof of income or layoff, and work with a career planner to choose an approved program.
Who qualifies for WIOA?
Adults 18 and older can get career services, with training priority for people with low incomes, public assistance or basic skills gaps. Laid-off workers can qualify as dislocated workers. Youth programs serve ages 14 to 24 who face certain barriers. Veterans get priority of service.
Can WIOA pay for CDL training?
Often, yes. Truck driving is one of the most common WIOA-funded programs, as long as the school is on your state's approved training list and on the federal Training Provider Registry, and your local area funds that occupation.