WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998

Massachusetts Workforce Investment Act Plan

Empowering the Nation's Job Seekers

Signed into action in 1998, the Workforce Investment Act provides the framework for a unique national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet both the needs of the nation's businesses, the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers. The Act is based on the following initiatives:

Training and employment programs must be designed and managed at the local level where the needs of businesses and individuals are best understood:

·         Customers must be able to conveniently access the employment, education, training, and information services they need at a single location in their neighborhoods.

·         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.

·         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.

·         Businesses will provide information, leadership, and play an active role in ensuring that the system prepares people for current and future jobs.

The Act builds on the most successful elements of previous Federal legislation. Just as important, its key components are based on local and State input and extensive research and evaluation studies of successful training and employment innovations over the past decade.

Massachusetts Workforce Investment Act Plan