Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
About WIOA
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal program designed to strengthen and improve the nation's public workforce system by helping Americans, including those with barriers to employment, get the skills and credentials they need for good jobs.
Administered by Harlan County Community Action Agency in partnership with Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), WIOA provides comprehensive workforce development services that connect job seekers with employers and training opportunities. The program emphasizes career pathways that lead to self-sufficiency and economic stability, offering individualized support based on each participant's unique needs and goals.
Whether you're seeking your first job, changing careers, upgrading your skills, or recovering from job loss, WIOA provides the resources and guidance to help you achieve long-term employment success in today's competitive job market.
To learn more about WIOA services or to schedule an appointment at Harlan County Community Action Agency at (606) 573-5335.
WIOA Services for Adults
These program services are available to eastern Kentuckians ages 18 and above who are unemployed or underemployed.
If training is required to obtain or improve employment, the program can provide tuition, required books, fees, commuting assistance, meals, and other approved expenses for classroom training.
Career counseling and resume writing are available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors.
Services for Employers
These multi-level programs use a wide variety of resources to help customers identify their interests and aptitudes, understand which jobs are in demand, get the training needed to develop the skills they need to succeed, and advance their careers.
This program offers the following services for area employers:
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Work Experience/Internships offer employers a cost-effective way to identify and evaluate potential talent
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Recruitment and Screening - We can help recruit and screen potential employees during hiring
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Training Cost Assistance - Assisting with the training costs for new hires and for upgrading the skills of existing employees
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Labor Market Information - Providing labor market information to assist with business planning
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Program Connections - Facilitating contacts with various state and federal programs that can assist employers
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Customized Training - Meets the special requirements of an employer, conducted with a commitment to employ all individuals upon successful completion
Registered Apprenticeships
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On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Provides reimbursements to compensate for training newly hired employees
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Customized Training - Meets the special requirements of an employer, conducted with a commitment to employ all individuals upon successful completion
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Recruitment and Screening - We can help recruit and screen potential employees during hiring
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Work Experience/Internships - Offer employers a cost-effective way to identify and evaluate potential talent
WIOA Services for Dislocated Workers
Dislocated Worker services are available to any Eastern Kentucky resident who:
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Has been terminated or laid off from employment, or has received notification of an upcoming termination or layoff
AND
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Is unlikely to return to work in his or her previous industry or occupation
Financial Assistance Available
In coordination with other types of financial assistance, the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program may provide:
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Tuition
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Required books
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Fees
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Commuting assistance
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Meals
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Other approved expenses for classroom training
Career counseling and resume writing are available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors.
Youth Programs
Prosper Appalachia Youth Program
This program is located in both Harlan High School and Harlan County High School and is administered by Rhett Alred, who assists seniors in establishing a plan for life. The program provides career assessments, career planning, career exploration with virtual reality headsets, and college tracking and preparation to help bridge the gap to the next step, whether that is college or a job in the next phase of life.
WIOA Services for Youth
The WIOA Youth Program offers a broad range of services to young people between the ages of 16 and 24. These services include opportunities for assistance with academic or job-related learning, developing leadership skills, preparing for further education, and eventual employment. Career counseling and resume writing are available by making an appointment with one of our Career Advisors.
Youth Eligibility
Youth services are available to low-income young people who are in any one of these categories:
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Require help to complete an educational program
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Require help to secure and hold employment
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School dropout
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Homeless
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A runaway
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A foster child
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Pregnant or parenting
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An offender (legal)
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Deficient in basic literacy skills
Services may also be available to young people who do not meet the low-income requirement, if they qualify in one of the categories above and have other barriers.
Youth Services Provided
EKCEP's Youth Program may provide the following services:
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Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies
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Alternative secondary school offerings
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Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning
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Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships, on-the-job training, and job shadowing
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Occupational skills training
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Leadership development opportunities
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Supportive services
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Adult mentoring for twelve months
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Follow-up services
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Comprehensive guidance and counseling
A Success Story
Thanks to the support of WIOA Supportive Services at Harlan Community Action Agency and the guidance of career advisor Beth Edwards, one determined job seeker, Jaydon Middleton, has climbed his way into a high-demand career as a lineman.
Jaydon was offered a full-time position but faced a major barrier. He didn't have the necessary tools, gear, and safety accessories required to start work. That's when Career Advisor Beth stepped in. Through WIOA supportive services, Beth helped secure funding to purchase his lineman tools, harness, boots, and protective equipment, ensuring he was job-ready.
What started as a financial hurdle turned into a career breakthrough, all thanks to WIOA support and a career advisor who went the extra mile.
More Success Stories
CDL Training Graduate
A client received supportive services to assist with the cost of the exam and license fees for truck driving school. He now has full-time employment as a truck driver.
Concentrix Employee
The client obtained full-time employment with Concentrix. He is still currently working and loving his new job.
Source Power Lineman
A participant received financial assistance to attend CDL training. To date, he remains employed with Source Power in full-time employment.
Carolina Power Technician
A client received assistance to obtain certifications, which led to full-time employment with Carolina Power and Signalization.
Healthcare Worker
A participant received assistance to obtain certifications, which led to full-time employment with Tri-Cities Nursing Home.
Creative Professional
An out-of-school youth received assistance with job searches, career assessments, coaching, interview preparation, and supportive services for work attire. They were offered full-time employment at The Shirt Shack as an Embroidery Designer/Office Assistant.
